Rev. Nathan M. Bickel

Pastor Emeritus Nathan Mark Bickel passed away early Sunday, December 3, 2017 at his residence with his wife by his side at the age of 67. He was born in 1950 to the late Pastor Elmer and Doris (Shulz) Bickel. Nathan attended eight years of Christian parochial elementary school; graduated from Bay City Central; Delta Junior College and Western Michigan University with a double major in history and communications. Nathan had various employment experiences including, a self-employed professional painting business; armed nuclear plant security; a government program employment specialist; tutoring and sub teaching. He was a hospital and hospice volunteer chaplain for McLaren. At 42, Nathan completed an academic colloquy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and was ordained into the Lutheran ministry spending the duration of his parish ministry serving a rural mid-Michigan congregation.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughters, Cara Jean, Alison (Ryan) and Faith (Kurt); grandchildren, Xavier, Clayton, Ellie and Shelby; brothers, Rev. Timothy (Julia) Bickel and Stan (Marilyn) Bickel; sister-in-law, Linda. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his brother, Andrew Bickel.
Nathan is a contented baby boomer; happily married with children and grandchildren. Pastor Emeritus Nathan M. Bickel would not care to change one iota of his life's history as he has experienced the Lord Christ's daily care, security and direction. And he received (in faith), that the TriuneLord would continue His blessings, at his life's end.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Charles Campbell with burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a memorial contribution to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. For online condolences www.GephartFuneralHome.com