Benjamin M. "Ben" Pickel, age 78, of Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026. He was the husband of Chere Pickel for over 30 years. He was born in Lancaster, son of the late Richard and Helen Myers Pickel. Ben served proudly in the United States Army for two years, serving in Vietnam in 1968. He was a lifetime member of the Gap VFW. Ben enjoyed having monthly breakfasts with his veterans' group. He also donated to many causes that supported veterans.  He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church for 21 years. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially his fall and hunting seasons spent at the Buck I Cabin in Belleville. He enjoyed inviting family and friends to the cabin on Saturday nights and making steaks for them on an open fire.  Surviving besides his wife are two sons: Kevin, husband of Kristi Pickel of Alaska, and Kraig, husband of Johanna Pickel of Montana, three stepchildren: Sean, husband of Shanna Ferguson of Virginia, Nicole, wife of Gerald Meshey of Wisconsin, and Keith Ferguson, and 12 grandchildren. Ben was preceded in death by three siblings: Patricia Kuhn, Robert Pickel, and Jane Miller.

Funeral Service will take place from St. John's U.M.C., 3001 Lincoln Highway East, Gordonville, PA 17529, on Thursday, April 23rd at 11 am with a viewing from 10 am until time of service. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 3001 Lincoln Highway East, P.O. Box 86, Paradise, PA 17562.