John R. Gibbel, Esq.

John R. Gibbel, Esq., 87, a lifelong resident of Lititz, passed peacefully from his earthly home into the arms of his Heavenly Father, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was the devoted and beloved husband of Ann (Strauss) Gibbel. They married on Thanksgiving Day,1968 inviting family & friends to attend via "subpoenas", reflecting John's then new profession and his fun, creative way of being. They were very happily married for 57 years.

Born at Lancaster General Hospital in 1939, he was the son of the late Henry B. & Lois E. (Hershberger) Gibbel. He grew up as part of the Lititz community.

John graduated from Warwick High School in 1957, where he served as class president. He attended Juniata College then continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and attained his Juris Doctorate.

After a decade of practice, in 1977 he was a founding partner of Gibbel Kraybill & Hess, LLP in Lancaster where he served the Lititz community and the greater Lancaster area along with a wonderful team of associates. John celebrated 60 years of membership in the Lancaster Bar Association on July 2, 2025. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Lititz Mutual Insurance Company for 50 years. Additionally, he served on the boards of AAA, a local Christian school, and numerous other non-profit organizations. John and Ann are active members of Ephrata Community Church and Gateway House of Prayer.

John loved life. He loved spending time with his family and building meaningful traditions into their lives together. He took the family to Denmark, Maine for vacation for 52 summers. Backpacking in northern PA each fall was another favorite tradition. John introduced many to the adventures & joys of backpacking--eagerly serving, encouraging and bringing perspective as the fearless Trail master.

In addition to his wife Ann, John is survived by their children, John H. Gibbel; Elizabeth A. MacCartney (Brandon); Joshua M. Gibbel (Kelly); Matthew S. Gibbel (Monica); 18 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild ; and his siblings, Joyce G. Biemesderfer (the late George); Henry H. Gibbel (Joan); James C. Gibbel (Elaine); Ruth G. Africa (Conan Raffensperger).

John will be remembered as one who lived life well. His heart was steadfast in the Lord. He found great joy serving others through his knowledge of the law, his wise practical life perspective, and his generous heart. He has left behind a beautiful legacy for his family, those who knew him well, and beyond.

A gathering and celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 2 at Ephrata Community Church, 70 Clay School Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522 with open family visitation from 1:30-2:45 PM. Immediately following, there will be a reception with time to share stories and memories. John's family recently gathered for a private burial at Millport Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gateway House of Prayer (please make checks payable to Ephrata Community Church and note “For Gateway in Honor of John Gibbel” in the memo line) and mailed to the church address listed above, or to Rothsville Volunteer Fire Company, 2071 Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543.