Dewain Fravel, October 7, 1934 - March 30, 2026

Dewain Fravel, the first of four children, was born on October 7th, 1934, in Colome, South Dakota, and was raised by his mother, Ethel Zerbe Fravel in Ponca, Nebraska. Ponca shaped the man he became in every meaningful way.

From the age of 10, Dewain was hunting and fishing. Not just for sport, but to put food on the table for his family. That sense of purpose, self-reliance and deep connection to the land carried over through the rest of his life.

In Ponca, Dewain excelled in football, basketball, boxing, and track and field. He found a coach and mentor in Julius “Butch” Shkurensky, someone who believed in him and helped set the course of his life. He always carried that influence with him.

He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1952 at the age of 17 and proudly served in the Pacific Ocean on the destroyer escort USCGC Finch. His primary duty station was in the waters off the Korean Coast during the Korean War. He separated in 1954 to Alameda, California.

It was in Alameda that he met his future wife. On April 25, 1955, he was united in marriage to Patricia Thompson in San Francisco, California. The couple moved from San Francisco to Sioux City. Together they built a family that was his greatest legacy.

Dewain spent much of his adult life working for Wells Blue Bunny, building a 40 year career rooted in hard work and dedication. Dewain volunteered with Sioux City youth sports, helping form Sioux City Youth football and coaching Westside teams for many years. He also coached youth basketball travel teams. But it was in his retirement that he showed his truest character by choosing to give his time as a volunteer for Hospice, offering comfort and presence to others in their most vulnerable moments. He found a special connection with veterans. It is such a beautiful and fitting thing that he was surrounded by that same love and care when it was his turn.

Dewain was a proud husband and father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. He always had great stories to share with a twinkle in his eye. His sense of humor was enjoyed by all and especially by his grandchildren. He loved nothing more than time outdoors, creating decades of memories on deer and pheasant hunting and fishing trips shared with his children and grandchildren. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by the love of his family.

Dewain is survived by his wife of 71 years, Patricia Fravel, his four children, Beth, Dave (Jo), Patti, and Val; 11 grandchildren Stephanie, Jon (Shelly), Amber (Shane), Tony (Christy), Tayleah, Joanna (Michael), Paxton, (Cerina), Kit, Daniel (Eyas), CJ (Brittany) and Dylan; 11 great grandchildren Christian, Shannon, Joe, Willow, Isla, Kash, Harper, Audri, Matthew, Sawyer and Violet.

Though not related by blood, Dewain considered many close friends as family and treasured those relationships deeply.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ethel Fravel, son-in-law Mark R Garlick, and grandson Joseph Fravel.

He lived 91 years” his way”, with intention, generosity, and grit. He fed his family from the land, volunteering for the vulnerable and leaves behind a beautiful family that spans generations. That is a life fully and beautifully lived.

Our family is deeply grateful to the caregivers whose kindness, patience and dedication brought dignity to Dewain’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made to Siouxland Center for Active Generations at 313 Cook St. Sioux City, Iowa 51103

A Celebration of Life for Dewain will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City. The family will greet friends starting at 5 p.m. with a service at 6 p.m.