UPDATED:
Benjamin Francis Gockel, age 48, of Manhattan, passed away Monday, August 28, 2023, at home with his family by his side after a long battle with CHF.
He was born on January 21, 1975, in Topeka, the son of Joyce Davis and Edward Davis.
Ben grew up in the St. Marys community. He spent many years working at Gockel’s IGA and later Gockel’s Thriftway. He graduated from St. Marys High and later attended Washburn University graduating with a bachelors and LMSW in Social Work. Ben had a passion for helping people and spent many years providing social work care to others. His passion for helping others continued even after his passing when he chose to donate his body to KU Medical Center for CHF research.
He is survived by his mother, Joyce Davis of Manhattan; aunt, Jane Gockel of Manhattan; brother, Matt Davis (Sarah) of Manhattan; and niece, Delaney Davis of Manhattan.
We would like to thank Dr. Mark McHaney and his staff, the staff at Good Shepard Homecare and Hospice, and the staff at Kellstrom Pharmacy for their caring and comfort of Ben.
A celebration of life for Ben will be held at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 South 3rd Street, Manhattan, KS 66502, in the Blue Earth Room on Saturday, October 14th from 1:00-3:00p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, Inc. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.