Calvin E. Bickel

           Calvin E. Bickel, 69, of Cranberry, is now resting from his labors on this earth, awaiting the resurrection of his Lord and Savior!  He passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, April 29, 2025, following an unexpected, brief illness. 

          He was born in Oil City on December 6, 1955 to the late Calvin W. Bickel and the late Delores M. Attleberger. 

          Calvin was chosen by the Lord to pastor and loved his Lord above all and with all his heart. It showed by his care in his ministry of health to all his beloved customers and clients who became friends and family to him. He prayed earnestly and daily for each one of his church family who was dear to his heart.

            Calvin owned and operated God’s Little Garden for 25 years and the Cranberry Wellness Center for 16 years, which by his inspiration came into being. Through natural health Calvin helped countless individuals who he cared for deeply. 

          Calvin was a lifelong car enthusiast from a very early age.  He loved everything about cars: designing, building them up, racing and driving.  He was a brilliant man of many talents who was interested in all things and loved to learn new things and whatever he put his mind to, he learned quickly.

          Calvin is survived by his wife of 28 years, Paula Bickel, whom he loved and cherished dearly.  He is also survived by his brother, Doug Bickel and his wife Tammy of South Carolina; his sister, Susan Keener of Youngstown, Ohio; his nieces: Tara (Bickel) Swab and her husband Dan of Sugarcreek, Sheena (Bickel) Love and her husband Justin of Nichols, South Carolina, and Furnesta Keener of Youngstown, Ohio; and a great-nephew, Daniel Swab and his wife Lucia of Seneca.

          Calvin is also survived by his “in-law family,” his mother-in-law, Diana Holtzman of Ohio; brother-in-law, Scott Holtzman and wife Robyn of Cochranton; sister-in-law, Melissa Boreman and husband Terry of South Carolina; nephews, Derek Boreman and wife Melissa of Pittsburgh; Jamey Boreman and wife Kara of Ohio; nieces, Tara (Naughter) Miller of South Carolina, Chelsea Westbrook and husband Jared of North Carolina; great-nephews, AJ (Jamie) Miller of South Carolina, Cole Boreman of Ohio and great niece, Addison Boreman of Pittsburgh.  Calvin is also survived by numerous current and past employees who he considered family.

          In addition to his father and mother, Calvin was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Romeo. 

          Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5th from noon – 2 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, where a funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Elder Ronald Bonner will officiate.  Private interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Oil City. 

          In lieu of flowers, contributions in Calvin’s memory may be made to a ministry that he began, Seed of Truth Ministries, P.O. Box 233, Cranberry, PA  16319.

              The family wants to give their heartfelt gratitude to Marji (Bickel) Eismont for being there every step of the way in this illness and in the final days and also to Ronald and Cheryl Bonner for the care, food, and being a true brother to Calvin.

          To express online condolences to Calvin’s family, visit www.hilebest.com

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