Douglas Walter Fickel, 67, of LaPorte, passed away on Monday, April 19, at Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital, surrounded by his loving brother, David, and close friends.

 

Doug was born in LaPorte on August 22, 1953, to Walter and Rose (Harenzo) Fickel.

 

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rose, and brother, Terry. Doug is survived by his brother, David Fickel of LaPorte.

 

Doug graduated from LaPorte High School and attended Tri-State University. Throughout his life, Doug pursued a number of careers, taking him from Indiana to Colorado, Minnesota, and around the Midwest, before returning home to LaPorte in 2010. All of Doug’s professional pursuits followed his common interests of entrepreneurship, working with his hands, being outdoors, and most importantly, helping others.

 

Doug enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his Labrador Retrievers, fishing the Great Lakes, and, even later in life while battling illness, helping his closest friend, Scott Johnson, his godchildren, Michael and Stephanie Essling, and his other dearest family and friends. Doug will be missed most for his keen memory of people’s birthdays, his infectious laugh, strong will, unwavering loyalty and soft heart.

 

Donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited of Indiana.

 

Friends may pay their respects on Saturday, May 1, 2021,  from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

 

To send condolences online, please visit Essling Funeral Home.com.