Bernard Phillip “Phil” Bickle, 75, Lafayette, and formerly of Rochester, passed away at 11:45 P.M. Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at his residence.
He was born January 6, 1949 in Lorain, Ohio, the first-born child of Bernard Phillip Bickle and Ann Marie (Queen) Bickle. His family came to Rochester in early 1960s when his father was transferred from Ohio to manage a local hardware store.
Phil’s first marriage was to Liz (Walsh) Kelsey and they later divorced. In 1973, he married Kathryn “Kathy” Everdon and she survives. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1967, and attended Indiana University in Bloomington. He had worked for Wilson Foods in Logansport, Indiana and retired from Fairfield Manufacturing in Lafayette, Indiana.
Phil was an accomplished guitarist, having performed in his own band “The Highwaymen” during his high school years. He was a Corvette enthusiast, and a Dallas Cowboys fan. Growing up on Lake Manitou in Rochester, he enjoying water skiing. In his retirement years, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time at the beach.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Everdon) Bickle, Argos, Indiana, three children, son with his first wife, Rodney “Rod” Bickle, Rochester, Indiana, daughters, Stacy Cox, Logansport, Indiana, Hayley (wife Sarah) Bickle-Wiser, Lafayette, Indiana, four grandchildren, Allie Bickle, Bloomington, Indiana, Brock Bickle, Rochester, Indiana, Ashlyn Cox and Alayna Cox, both of Logansport, Indiana, brother, Allen (LuAnne) Bickle, Pueblo, Colorado, two sisters, Cathy (Bickle) See Drake and companion Don, Florida and Kandi (Bickle) Waltz Sausaman and husband Dave, Rochester, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernie and Ann Bickle.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 A.M. Friday March 1, 2024 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Friends may visit from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, February 29, 2024 and one hour prior to service Friday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
