Dwayne Krabel

Dwayne Eugene Krabel, 93, passed away peacefully Friday, June 12, 2026, at Tabitha in Grand Island, Nebraska, leaving behind a life defined by devotion to family, and steady kindness. Born September 7, 1932, in Ayr, Nebraska, the son of George and Esther (Fricke) Krabel. He graduated from Roseland High School, class of 1949, and from the University of Nebraska in 1953. Dwayne spent his life rooted in the community of Hastings.
After graduating with an Agricultural Degree, Dwayne returned to Ayr, NE to start a small feeding operation with his father. In 1959, he partnered with his brother and cousins in a feeding operation southwest of Hastings which evolved into Krabel Land and Cattle in 1974. By late 1970s, he expanded into ranching with Long Valley Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. His life’s work was committed to the farming community, Adams County Farm Bureau, and Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association.
Those who knew Dwayne remembered him as a calm and dependable presence, someone whose quiet strength, practical wisdom, and steady character could always be relied upon when it mattered most. He lived through nearly a century of change and met each chapter of life with resilience, humility, and grace, creating a legacy shaped by consistency, integrity, and love.
Dwayne is survived by his children, Ann (Tony) Ierubino of Houston, TX, Linda (Peter) Kowal of Ontario, Canada, Nancy (Randy) Niemann of Castle Rock, CO, and Roger (Carmyn) Krabel of Juniata, NE; grandchildren, Nathan (Jackie) Kowal of Millersville, MD, Lauren (Bryan) Drobisch of Tampa, FL, Meghan (Matthew) Mache of Franklin, WI, CJ (Paige) Niemann of Spring Green, WI, Adam Niemann of Glen Burnie, MD, Jacob Niemann of Salt Lake City, UT, Emalie (Alec) Baker of Hastings, NE, Hannah (Broc) Stuhr of Juniata, NE, Luke Krabel of Blue Hill, NE, Ryan Ierubino of Dallas, TX, and Lindsay Ierubino of Houston, TX; great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Berkley, Oliver, Mason, and Adeline; and siblings, Helen Wigert and Eugene (Joan) Krabel of Hastings, NE, who loved him deeply and will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Martha (Hansen) Krabel, who now welcomes him home.
Dwayne will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and for the many meaningful relationships he built throughout his life—through Adams County Rural Youth, square dancing, bowling leagues, golf friendships, and his love of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and memories shared by all who knew him.
A service to honor Dwayne’s life will be held at DeWitt Funeral Home on Saturday, June 20th at 10:00 a.m., followed by committal at Parkview Cemetery with visitation held Friday, June 19th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the family in attendance.