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David VanSickle Obituary
David C. Van Sickle, 80, of West Lafayette passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Creasy Springs Health Campus. He was born January 9, 1934, in Des Moines, IA, to the late Harold and Henrietta Kaiser Van Sickle. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Jess and Anna Hill in Marathon, IA, from the age of 7.
He graduated from Marathon High School and received his DVM from Iowa State University in 1957. David worked as a veterinarian in Shannon, IL from 1957 to 1961. He was in United States Air Force and Inactive Reserve from 1958 until retiring in 1982 as a Colonel.
David received his PhD in 1966 from Purdue Univeristy. He was Professor and Head of the Departmment of Basic Medical Sciences and taught veterinary and medical students histology. Professor Van Sickle retired in 2009.
He was a receipiant of many awards and honors and was a member of numerous academic, professional and scholary societies. David mentored many Master and PhD students while at Purdue. He authored and co-authored many articles, book chapters and scientific abstracts. Dr. Van Sickle established the Bone and Articulation Research Laboratory in the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue Univeristy. Research was conducted in Preclinical orthopedic device testing and musculoskeletal theories that were funded by several government and industrial grants and contracts. He presented many scientific research papers nationally and internationally. Dr. Van Sickle was a member of the American Legion Post 492 in West Lafayette.
He married Aneta Smid and she preceded him in death in September of 2000. Surviving is his sister Dorothy Erickson (Keith) of Olathe, KS, a niece Melissa Helverik-Bing (Roger) of Orlando, FL and several cousins.
Visitation will be 4-7 PM Monday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Service and burial will be in Creston, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dr. Van Sickle's memory to the Dr. David Van Sickle Endowment for Muscular Skeletal Research., CO of Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Development Office. You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David VanSickle
5 Entries
Jennifer Shook
March 25, 2014
The staff and volunteers at Meals on Wheels will miss Mr. VanSickle. Our sympathies with the family.
Doug & Debbie Raub
March 25, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of your families loss. We enjoyed meeting and visiting with Dave at our restaurant in West Point. He will be greatly missed.
Cheryl Holdman
March 24, 2014
You will be sorely missed by all your students and lab technicians. I really enjoyed working for you, Dr VanSickle.
Stan and Bille Harris
March 22, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Our DVM class reunions will not be the same without him. I'm sure he will be wearing his cardinal and gold in heaven! May God bless you during your time of mourning.
Robert Stidham
March 22, 2014
Will miss our many conversations and our ability to solve all the worlds problems. As you would say how is it an old retired Air Force Colonel and a Landscaper can figure it all out and those in office cannot agree even to disagree. We have lost a great man with great perspective on life. I will remember you always my friend.
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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909-7113
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