Van Sickel, John Douglas

John Douglas Van Sickel, 63, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, after a long and productive life cut short by pancreatic cancer. Memorial Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Cedar Hills Community Church by Dr. Leonard Ranson. Inurnment: St. Joseph Cemetery at a later time. Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Teahen Funeral Home. Friends may also visit after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church until the time of service.

John was born Feb. 2, 1949, in Mason City, Iowa, to Milan and La Von (Ahrens) Van Sickel. He lived a very happy childhood in Sheffield, Iowa, with his family and many great friends. He learned valuable skills in woodworking, construction and engineering while working beside his father and brothers as part of Van Sickel Construction.

He attended UNI and graduated with an industrial arts education degree. It was during college that he met his future wife, Patricia Musser. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, serving from 1972-76 aboard the USS Saginaw and attaining the rank of lieutenant. During his service, he was part of the rescue of Americans from Cyprus when Greece and Turkey went to war. The last six months were spent as an instructor at the Amphibious Training School in Little Creek, Va. While in the Navy, he courted and married Pat, and they lived in Virginia Beach for 4 ½ years.

After the Navy, John worked at the Duane Arnold Energy Center for 33 years. The most important position he held was as a senior reactor operator and operations shift manager. He had fond memories of the great people he was honored to work with.

His children could always count on John and Pat being at every event, cheering them on. They received the Midwest Travelers Award from the UNI Women's Rugby Team for their dedication, which is still heralded. Every member of his family is proud to own a piece of Rugby Furniture.

His quiet dignity, patriotism and integrity were respected by everyone who met John. He had great love for and dedication to his family and they to him, and he will be sorely missed by many.

Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Pat; three children, Amy (Aaron) Friedel, Chris Van Sickel and Carrie (Justin) Campbell; four grandchildren, Aidan, Ella and Olivia Friedel and Owen Campbell; three brothers, Mike (Lori), David (Barb) and Eric (Nancy); Linda Van Sickel; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

Published Oct. 1, 2012 in The Gazette