June 12, 1962 – January 29, 2023
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, papa, brother, and friend who passed away peacefully at the Pinawa hospital on Sunday morning, January 29, 2023, at the age of 60.
Ben is predeceased by his parents Mary and George Nickel and his three sisters Margaret, Sarah, and Nettie (in infancy).
Ben will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years Susan (nee) Schalla, as well as his children Steven (Holly-Jaide), Jessica (Joel), David (Ruth-Anne), and his 4 grandchildren Maverick & Adriana, Nora & Jacob.
He is survived by his siblings, John (Maryann), Anne (Menno), Edward, Bill (Hildie), Henry (Corinne), Jake (Lena), Bertha (Cornie), brother in law’s Ray (Flora) and Ron (Elisabeth). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Ben was passionate about his faith, his family, and his work. His love of God was evident in everything he did; in the words he said, and in the way he lived his life. Whether it be as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, mission’s leader, or just living an ordinary life he was forever showing God’s love to friends, neighbours, and strangers. Ben found many ways to spend quality time with his wife and kids. He loved spending time with them on the lake, snowmobiling, and fishing. Family time with Ben could’ve been as simple as sitting around the dining room table, laughing. Laughter in the home was not in short supply. He was a silly guy, and his laughter will be deeply missed. Ben had an incredible work ethic and instilled that in all his children. He served businesses and communities with integrity. Never shying away from a challenge and holding himself and his work to high standards. He always said he would never retire and would die with his boots on. That’s exactly what he did.
Many thanks to Dr. Bruneau and the staff at CancerCare in Pinawa and Winnipeg for all the care and compassion that has been shown towards our family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc. 675 McDermot Ave RM ON1160 Winnipeg, MB R3E 9Z9.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday February 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church 360 McKenzie Ave, Steinbach. Interment to follow at Saint Pauls Lutheran Cemetery.
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Dave & Cheryl Friesen
Susan and family. There are so many things to say but how. I had the joy of working with Ben for many years and will always remember his laughter and goofy nature. He was always making people laugh one way or another. He will be truly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
Gaylene Mehling
Susan and family, May god keep his loving arms around you and surround with his peace.
May your memories be a blessing to you in the future. Continued Prayers.
Linda James
My sympathy to the Nickel familyBen was a very dedicated Christian and a wonderful friend to all who knew him
Carol Mazur
Susan and family keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcia Henzel
So sorry to hear of Ben‘s passing our deep felt sympathies to you Susan and your family we always appreciated all the work he did in our church he will be missed by many May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of him and the assurances of God‘s promise. Our sincerest condolences Larry and Marcia Henzel
Sylvie Pinel
This is so sad that his life was cut short like this! He was friendly, compassionate and helpful! I will remember him fondly. My sincere condolences to his family and friends!
Mac Dumcum
Our sincere condolences to Susan and the family. Ben was a great guy and we are sure he will be greatly missed. May the Lord bless and comfort you all during this time.
Much love,
Mac & Mina Dumcum
Mary Hovorka
Condolences to Susan and the family. So sorry for your loss
Pcdejong
I always remember him as a very honest and very helpful man
Condolences to the family for your lost
De Jong Family
Berni & Dorothy Plett
To Susan and family. Our deepest sincere sympathy in this time of grief. Ben’s good natured care and service to the cottage association was exemplary. Humanity and divinity join in our memories of this tremendously missed man.
Mitch Laurence
To Susan and family, Ben was as you know a good friend, neighbor, and family man, He will be missed dearly. Our heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Don,Brenda, Justin
Sincere condolences on the passing of Ben.He was an honest, hard
working man.We couldn’t have asked for a better friend and neighbour. He will be missed our prayers are with you.
Abe + Sally Giesbrecht
Susan and family have had the pleasure of knowing Ben for many years and have worked with in some. Memories of has way to make life enjoyable and end on a good note. He made you feel as friend from first greeting. May he play those Drums as loud as the Lord needs. Rest well our friend. May Peace surround you and family..knowing his pain is gone.
Lyle & Charleene
Dear Susan and Family,May Jesus arms of Peace and Comfort be holding each of you at this time.We are honored to say that Ben was a great neighbor and friend.He was willing to help when needed, Big or Small . We are thankful that we had time with you both at your Lakeside home,great conversation and laughter.Thankful for what God had provided for you.
Home♥️Family Grandchildren.We are all Blessed by Ben in some way.Moving a large rock for me in my front yard. There to remind us of you Ben.God Bless
Jane barkman
so many great memories of Ben..of course,New Oleans trips come to mind…
your pain of losing Ben brings sadness to all of us and so we pray for healing and peace,
With love, Jane and Lloyd Barkman
Mary Simard
Our condolences to the family. May the beautiful memories comfort you all during this difficult time. Hugs and Prayers,
Paul Lanteigne
Our condolences to you, Susan, and your family. He was a wonderful man full of passion.
Found memories of men in mission in New Orleans.
Paul & Amanda
Alice, David & Charmaine (#10)
Our heartfelt condolences to you Sue and to your entire loving family. Ben’s pasting will leave and big void in everyone’s life. A good man gone too soon!
Kathy willis
Sorry for your loss. We will miss him.
Lani Robb
Susan, as you know I did not have the pleasure to know/meet Ben, but I’m sure he will no longer have to fight this horrible disease. Your hearts are broken but knowing he is alive and healthy with our Lord God may be a comfort to you and your family. Hold tight your precious memories as they will always be with you with much love and blessings for all ❤️
Leonard and Christel
Ben truly loved the Lord trying to attend every mens bible study even if it meant leaving his work.,also the last Sunday before his passing he struggled to get up the stairs of the stage in church to play the drums this one last time in church to worship Jesus. Ben was a Blessing to the people who he was with. Our condolences go out to you Susan and your family.
James Fiebelkorn
Susan and family,
We are sorry to learn of Ben’s passing. Heather and I are very sorry for your loss. As a family mourns Heaven rejoices. “Well done good and faithful servant welcome home.” May God grant you strength in your time of sorrow.
Willie & Karen Peters
Dear Susan and family,
Our hearts ache for you in the loss of Ben. May the wonderful memories, love and laughter of your dear husband/father/grandfather bring you peace as you reflect on the life of a special man!
Sincere sympathy,
Willie & Karen Peters
Allan Hoehn
My deepest condolences to you Susan and your family Ben was a good friend to me
Bernie & Jeanette Kielich
To Susan & Family,
May your precious memories provide you comfort now & forever!
We are so very sorry for your loss & send our deepest condolences.
Bernie & Jeanette Kielich
Judith Schellenberg
Susan and family, so sad to hear of Ben’s passing. What can we say but our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.❤️He was a good man and a man of strong faith. He is home and at peace.
Gail Oar
To The Nickel Family
I was so shocked to hear about Ben’s passing. I enjoyed my time working with Ben at Co-op. He always had a smile on his face and loved to make you laugh. Thinking and praying for all of you! Cherish the memories!
Gail & Murray Oar
Sylvia Nilsson-Barkman
My sincerest condolences to you, Susan and your family. Ben was a wonderful person who gave so much to the betterment of others.
Arlene Dyck
Susan and family, our condolences and continued prayers. Treasure the memories.
Robert and Arlene
Victor Kroker
My thoughts and prayers are with you as they have been since I met you. With deepest sympathies; Victor
Pearl & Jarivs Wintoniw
Dear Susan and Family,
You and Ben go back many years!. We are so glad to have called Ben a true friend.
The passion of his faith that he passed on to me and everyone he met.
Our deepest condolences. He will live on you all of you!
Love from Pearl & Jarvis
Elaine Solomon
Dear Susan. My thoughts and prayers are for you, your children and your grandchildren especially today and ongoing. Love Elaine.
The Macri family
So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. We will miss seeing him drive by our cottage, he always had a smile and a wave.