Daniel Edward Knebel

Daniel E. "Dan" Knebel, 88, of Grant, Nebraska, passed away on September 14, 2025, at Imperial Manor in Imperial, Nebraska.

Dan was born on December 28, 1936, and would later bless the lives of Felix and Regina Knebel. He spent much of his life in Perkins County, Nebraska, and on April 16, 1988, he married the love of his life, Emma "Betsy" Elizabeth Maxwell, in Thornton, Colorado. Together, Dan and Betsy made their home on a farm just outside Grant and shared 37 wonderful years of marriage.

Hardworking and humble, Dan dedicated his career to the land and his community. In his younger years, he worked as a farmhand, later joining the Perkins County Department of Roads, where he ran a road grader and mower for many years. Dan took pride in helping keep the county's roads in good shape, often rising before dawn to make sure neighbors could travel safely after a snowfall or storm.

Outside of work, Dan cultivated a number of unique passions that brought him joy. He was an avid collector with a special love for antique tractors and model toys. His collection included numerous Farmall and International Harvester tractors, both life-sized and small-scale, which he would proudly display and tinker with. He also had a soft spot for G.I. Joe action figures and classic vehicles-if it had wheels or an engine and a bit of history, Dan was interested! Many in the community remember seeing him at local farm auctions, always on the lookout for the next treasure to add to his collection.

One of Dan's endearing quirks was his aversion to getting his hands dirty-despite all his mechanical tinkering, he went to great lengths to avoid getting oil and grease on himself. He made sure he always had the right tool for every job and a clean hand to shake afterward. He may have been the only man in Perkins County who could work on an old tractor without getting a drop of grease on his hands.

Dan's family meant the world to him, and he was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. He especially relished being a grandfather and great-grandfather. In fact, his six great-granddaughters affectionately called him "Big Grandpa," and Betsy was lovingly known as "Big Grandma." While they did so because they didn't understand the use of the term "great" when it came to grandparents, the nickname also captures how big a presence Dan and Betsy were in their families' lives. Dan cherished every moment with his family and created memories that will be treasured for years to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Regina Knebel; a son-in-law, Ed Scoles; and brothers-in-law Roger Bochofer, Don Harris, Pete Maxwell, and Bob (Eddie) Maxwell.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Betsy Knebel of Grant; children Michael, Nancy, and Aaron (Heather); stepdaughters Cindy (Don) and Karen; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; his sisters, Rose Marie and Martha Claire; brothers-in-law Jeffrey (Iris) and Toby; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

There will be no services.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is assisting the family.