Donna Grafel

Donna Lynne Grafel

Jan. 26, 1957 - March 15, 2023

McCOOK, Neb. — Donna Lynne Grafel, age 66, died unexpectedly in her home, March 15, 2023.

She was born in Smith Center, Kan., on Jan. 26, 1957, to Loren and Verona (Fishel) Chapman. Donna attended and graduated from Herndon High School in 1976.

She then attended Fort Hays State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in biology, chemistry and physics.

Donna married her best friend, Dennis Keith Grafel, on July 24, 1976, at the United Church of Christ in Herndon, Kan. The couple was united in marriage by her father, Rev. Loren Chapman.

The couple settled in Hays, Kan., before moving to Smith Center, Kan., where they farmed for seven years. They moved back to McCook in 1989, where they lived until present.

Donna was an avid gardener, herbalist and animal lover. She had the heart of a scientist and teacher. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family fishing, camping, butchering, cooking, and laughing.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dennis; her father, Loren; her brother, David; and her father-in-law, Ray Grafel.

She watches over her mother, Verona of McCook; her son, Douglas and wife, Stephanie Grafel of Broken Bow; daughter, Jessica and husband, Josh Vrbas of McCook; son, Chris and wife, Roisin Grafel of Fairford, Gloucestershire England; son, Randall Grafel of McCook; her sister and brother-in-law, Gwenne and Paul Cash of Enid, Okla.; and her brother, Tom Chapman of Smith Center, Kan. She has eight grandchildren and three nephews.

A service of remembrance will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the Memorial Methodist Church, 105 East E St., McCook. There will be time for friends and family to gather after the service for lunch and to share stories and memories of Donna.

Memorials can be given to the family for future designation.

Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.