Bennet K. Nickel, 86, passed away November 16, 2013 at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton , Kansas. He was born September 12, 1927 in Goessel, the son of W. B. and Susie Schmidt Nickel.
From his earliest days, Bennett was a sensitive, caring and generous son, brother and cousiin. As a husband and father, grandfather and uncle, he was known not only for his joy for life and his never faltering optimism. He loved to vacation with his family and travel the United States with his wife, Eleanor.
Bennett served in the Army for two years settiing up communication lines in Germany. He enjoyed his work at Southwestern Bell for 42 years and ws a member of the Kansas Telephone Pioneers. He was a founding member of Faith Mennonite and Shalom Mennonite Churches, serving as a deacon and member of the Pastoral Care Team at Faith Mennonite Church.
On August 25, 1956 he married Eleanor Ruth Schmidt in Newton She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his children and their spouses; Jean and Jim Weber, Newton; Jim and Becky Nickel of Peabody; Sandra and Andreas Schlaepfer of Chexbres, Switzerland; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; brother, Abe and sister-in-law, Lydia Nickel of Hutchinson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W. B. and Susie Nickel; sister, Rebecca Nickel Rigby; sister and brother-in-law, Rachel and John Enns and brother, Willie Nickkel.
Funeral services were November 22, 2013 at Shalom Mennonite Churchh in Newton. Burial willl be private. Memorials may be made to Parkinson's Disease Research.
