ELKHART – Loren Robert Bickel, 79, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday, August 22, at home.

He was born December 21, 1938, in Elkhart, to Lloyd and Dorothy Jackson Bickel. He married Shelba Jean Peffly on December 8, 1973, in Elkhart.

Loren was a partner in Printing House, Inc., formerly on Baldwin Street in Elkhart, with Mike Smith. Following that, he operated A2Z Toner.

He was a lifetime member of the former Elkhart YMCA, where he won many swimming awards and participated in numerous pickup basketball games. He attended River Oaks Community Church and served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1962.

Loren enjoyed vacationing in Mexico, dabbling in the stock market, and being with family and friends, especially during several River Float inner tube parties down the Elkhart River. He was fascinated by technology and never stopped learning new ways to use it in his life.

He is survived by his wife, three children, Lindsey (Steve) Rogers, Rodney (Donna) Bickel, and Kevin (Barbara) Bickel; brothers Dave (Jan) Bickel and Bill (Linda) Bickel; three stepchildren, Jody (Pat) Prestine, Michael (Deb) Ehret, and Liz (Steve) Ganger; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services celebrating Loren's life will begin at Noon (12 o'clock) Friday, August 31, 2018 at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart with visitation 1 hour prior. Pastor Tim Rowland will officiate. Military honors will be rendered by U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Loren's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or River Oaks Community Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Billings Funeral Home.