Jan Duane Sickels, 80, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026 with Marcia by his side. Duane was born on July 21, 1946 in Winchester, Indiana, to Joe and Janet (Hill) Sickels. On June 29, 1974 he married Marcia (Fouts).
Duane was a man of strong faith who loved Jesus, his family, and the many people who became part of his life. He believed in honesty, integrity, hard work, and doing things the right way. He held himself to high standards and expected the same of others, believing that a person’s word and character mattered. As a husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend, and mentor, Duane made a lasting impact on those around him. His greatest love was his kids and grandkids. They were, as he often said, “his people.” He took great pride in them and found joy in helping them learn, grow, and succeed.
A lifelong farmer, Duane graduated from Lynn High School in 1964 and Purdue’s Ag Short Course. He raised Suffolk and Crossbred show lambs for 70 years, a passion that started with 4-H. Duane showed sheep all over the Midwest and went on to judge many 4-H, FFA and Jackpot shows. He enjoyed working with kids through 4-H livestock projects. Duane served on the National Suffolk Sheep Association Board of Directors and was affiliated with local and state livestock associations. He was inducted into the Indiana Livestock Hall of Fame in 2005. Duane cherished the many lifelong friendships he made through the livestock industry.
Duane also enjoyed creating Sickels Tree Farm. He planted his first Christmas trees in 1987. Although he enjoyed growing the trees, his greatest pleasure came from the kids who worked on the farm and the families who returned each year to choose their Christmas trees. After 30 years, he retired the business, leaving behind many cherished memories and family traditions. Although his goal was to spread the joy of Christmas, he pointed out the reason for the season. Jesus Christ.
Whether working with livestock, growing Christmas trees, or spending time with family and friends, Duane believed in keeping your word, working hard, and taking pride in what you do. He was respected for his knowledge, trusted for his honesty, and remembered for the time and care he invested in others. His legacy lives on not only in what he built, but in the people, he mentored, the values he passed down, and the lives he touched.
Duane is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marcia; his sons, Dexter and Greg (Janette); his grandchildren, Ella, Paige, Riley, Kade, Katie, Elijah, and Harlyn; and his sister, Deborah Peterson.
Visitation will be held at Lynn Friends Church, Lynn, IN on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. An additional viewing will take place Monday, October one hour prior to services, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Randolph County 4-H Future Needs, in honor of Duane’s lifelong commitment to agriculture and his passion for helping young people succeed.
