Wayne Harold Grafel

Wayne Harold Grafel, age 88, of Culbertson, Nebraska passed away Friday, December 12, 2014 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

Wayne was born July 3, 1926 to John and Elizabeth Catherine (Goltl) Grafel in Herndon, Kansas. Raised on the family farm, he attended and graduated from Herndon High School in 1944. Following graduation he remained in Herndon farming with his family, and enjoyed spending time with his high school friends Clarence, Marvin and Marion and in their travels he eventually met the love of his life, Betty Rome.

Wayne and Betty were married February 21, 1955 in McCook, Nebraska and to this union five children were born: Cynthia, Catherine, Carol, Wayne Alan and Michelle. They spent nearly 60 love filled years together raising their children on the family farm near Culbertson. Wayne continued his passion for farming and soil conservation and harvested his last wheat crop at 82 years young.

Wayne was a member of the First Congregational Church in McCook for over 50 years where he served as a deacon in his younger years. Wayne was a member of the McCook Elks Club where he and Betty were known to clear a dance floor with their fast paced jitterbug. Wayne loved to play cribbage with his family and spent many pleasant days playing cards with his friends around Culbertson. He enjoyed watching professional figure skating and taking his kids to musicals. Wayne and Betty loved to travel; they took their children on many trips to the family cabin. When the children were grown they went on many trips and cruises, some with lifelong friends Jack and Evelyn Hook, and made new friends during their travels to distant places. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren on the family farm.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Grafel; and sister, LaVerna Sallans.
Wayne is survived by his wife Betty of Culbertson, NE; children Cynthia and husband Chris Cummins of Parker CO, Catherine and husband Greg Anderson of Westminster, CO, Carol Grafel and partner Joseph Infante of North Platte, NE, Wayne Grafel and fiancee Leticia Pimentel of Arizona, and Michelle and husband Brian Martin of Kansas City; two sisters Elaine Bryan of Oberlin, KS and Shirley and Bill Jones of Quinter, KS. Also surviving are grandchildren Courtney Blanco, Cody Cummins, Denelle Bell, John Moriarty, Halsey Roberts, Elizabeth Massey, Sam Grafel, Alicia Allen, Hannah Grafel, Mariah Martin, Bailey Martin, and Lily Martin; great grandchildren Breanne, Jake, Jaycee, Courtney, Tegan, Julian, Bradley, Raiden, and Zeppelin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Wayne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, friend and farmer who will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorials are suggested to the Culbertson Library Fund.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 16, 2014 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Family accompanied viewing will be between 5 and 7 pm.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in McCook with Pastor Steve Bales, officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in McCook.