Colonel Rudolf Gustav Bickel, MD, U.S. Air Force, Retired
December 17, 1937 ~ March 23, 2025
Born in:
Detroit, Michigan
Resided in:
Haymarket, Virginia
Colonel Rudolf Gustav Bickel, MD, U.S. Air Force, Retired
December 17, 1937 – March 23, 2025
In the 87 years that Rudy lived he was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a hero, a loving husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, and a friend.
Rudy truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a listening ear, or his arms for a big hug. When Rudy hugged you it was a genuine embrace, full of warmth and reassurance, that carried with it a profound sense of comfort and compassion.
Rudy’s presence was characterized by unwavering engagement and wholehearted immersion. He never merely occupied space or passed time; instead, he invested himself fully in every moment, interaction, and endeavor. Whether spending quality time with loved ones, contributing to his community, or pursuing personal interests, Rudy approached each with complete dedication and enthusiasm. This profound level of presence not only enriched his own life but also left a lasting, positive impact on those fortunate enough to share in his moments.
With profound sadness, we announce that Rudy peacefully passed away on March 23, 2025, at his home in Haymarket, Virginia, after a brief illness. Rudy’s lifelong dedication to the happiness and well-being of those around him will be dearly remembered.
Rudy’s life began on December 17, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, as the eldest child of the late Rudolph H. and Mathilda Bickel. He grew up with and is survived by five siblings: Frederick R. (Anne), Carol Christine (Robert) Codish, Daniel J., Ann Marie Bickel, and Elizabeth J. Van Zandt. His family continued to grow as his siblings blessed him with two nephews and three nieces, Joshua, Christian, Cybelle, Sara, Kara, each of whom he treasured. From an early age, he developed a deep sense of duty, intelligence, and perseverance—qualities that would shape his life’s work and impact so many others.
Rudy’s academic journey began at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan, where he immersed himself in science, mathematics, and courses in shop and foundry work. A studious individual, he was an avid reader, particularly enjoying science fiction. To finance his education, he worked as a paperboy—a role that not only supported him financially but also earned him a scholarship from the Detroit News. Additionally, scholarships from the Michigan Regents facilitated his enrollment at the University of Michigan.
After two years in the College of Engineering, Rudy transitioned to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, where courses in abnormal psychology and genetics piqued his interest, leading him to pursue a pre-med track. Beyond academics, he co-founded an off-campus men’s cooperative residence and trimmed trees for the City of Detroit during the summers to support himself.
Encouraged by discussions with his genetics professor, Rudy applied to Harvard Medical School but the class for the upcoming year was filled. In late August 1959, upon returning from a European tour with the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club, he was delighted to receive an unexpected offer from Harvard. Despite initial financial concerns, with Harvard’s assurance of support he immediately packed and headed to Boston. He found his classmates fascinating and the sailing around Boston excellent. Despite the heavy influence of academic research, Rudy found he did not want to be a narrow sub specialist and opted for a community medicine track in his third year. Rudy received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1963, initiating a career that would span a lifetime.
Rudy began his internship and internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center. During this time, he was drafted into the Army. Demonstrating his characteristic resourcefulness, Rudy successfully negotiated a transfer to the Air Force, joining the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks AFB, Texas. Except for a brief assignment where he opened the first Air Force dispensary/hospital as Commander at Ching Chuan Kang AFB in Taiwan, he spent the greater part of the next decade at the School of Aerospace Medicine, where he collaborated on developing patient care systems for aeromedical evacuation aircraft, including specialized instruments, life support equipment, and monitoring techniques for in-flight care. In the 1970s, he joined the Department of Defense’s Office of the Surgeon General, playing a pivotal role in advancing medical systems and data automation. As the Air Force representative for the Tri-Service Medical Information System (TRIMIS), Rudy led the drafting of initial specifications for a fully integrated medical information system, laying the foundation for the Department of Defense’s Composite Health Care System and its global successors. He concluded his military career as Chairman of the Department of Primary Care at Andrews AFB, Maryland, retiring in 1984 after a distinguished 20-year tenure, during which he received multiple commendations, medals, and honors. Rudy’s commitment to his country was unwavering and he was a source of inspiration to all who knew him.
Following his military retirement, Rudy remained deeply committed to the medical field. He continued to provide exceptional care as a physician and medical director in various capacities throughout his exemplary 60-year career. His roles included private family practice, senior aviation examiner, occupational health specialist, and addiction medicine specialist. He championed a holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing wellness and patient engagement over traditional symptom-focused treatments. His unwavering dedication profoundly impacted countless lives, creating a lasting impact on those he cared for and guided, while his numerous accomplishments underscore the magnitude of this immeasurable loss.
Rudy was wholeheartedly committed to guiding and supporting fellow medical professionals. His wisdom, compassion, and dedication shaped the careers of many, and his influence as a mentor extended far beyond his immediate patients and colleagues. His enduring contributions of service, guidance, and kindness will perpetually inspire those fortunate enough to have known him.
Rudy was an avid reader and lifelong learner, always eager to acquire new knowledge. He enjoyed swimming, bicycling, and exploring the shores of Lake Huron from the family’s retreat in Alpena, Michigan. As a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, Rudy cherished moments spent birdwatching and stargazing with his wife. Rudy also kept abreast of world affairs, engaging in thoughtful discussions and appreciating meaningful debates with others. His love for music endured, and he was always ready to burst into song whenever a fellow music lover stopped by. These activities enriched his life and strengthened his connections within the community.
Rudy is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Myrna Grace Lunn. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Amy, and is survived by son, Mark, and grandson Ethan. Rudy also warmly embraced the role of stepfather to three adult children, whose families blessed him with six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Dr. Rudy Bickel’s deep compassion for his patients extended beyond treatment, as he was a firm believer in the power of preventive care and the importance of educating those he served. He viewed the role of a physician not only as a healer but also as a teacher, empowering his patients with knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. His dedication to this philosophy left a lasting impact on countless lives and will be remembered by all who had the privilege of being under his care.
Those who knew Rudy will undoubtedly recall his keen intellect, sharp-witted humor, fondness for puns, compassionate nature, and steadfast dedication to others. His contributions to medicine, the Air Force, and his community will not be forgotten. Rudy will be deeply missed, but his legacy of service, knowledge, and compassion will live on.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a date not yet established.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
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Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery at a later date
1 Memorial Drive
Arlington , VA 22211
703-938-7440
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Rudy´s first Wife, Sue Ellen Bickel, was the mother of Mark and Amy and the grandmother of Ethan. They were married for many years and she had predeceased Rudy