Dwane Martin Hamel, 88, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at his home in Clay Center. Dwane was born July 10, 1935 at the family home located at the Ideal Cement Co Village west of Superior, Nebraska to Gordon Keith and Lillian (Crandell) Hamel. 

Dwane graduated from Superior High School in 1953 and entered the U.S. Army in 1954. He served one year in the states and then one year in Germany before moving back to Superior. After returning to Superior he began his career with the J.C. Penney Corporation. He married Karen Henry on October 6, 1957. When he became a manager with J.C. Penney they moved to York and Grand Island, Nebraska, before continuing to Abilene and then Clay Center. He retired after 26 years of service to them. 

He then owned and operated the Hamel Liquor Store following the purchase of the Rose Liquor Store and then Blake Liquor Store. After closing his store, he went to work for Yellow Brick Enterprises, Mastercarved Memorials and Dollar General. 

Dwane spent his spare time hunting, fishing, camping and traveling with family and friends, as well as attending his kids, grandkids and great grandkids activities. 

Dwane was preceded in death by his parents, son Randy, daughter Teresa Burger, brother Albert Keith and his wife Marillea Hamel.

Survivors include his wife Karen, daughter Tina and husband BJ Beems, son Allen and wife Julie, Daughter-in-Law Carol and husband Steve Wallace and Son-in-Law Randy Burger.  Grandkids Travis (Melissa), Kyle (Colby), Mitch, Bret, Logan (Bethany), Konnor (Anna), Justin, Jordi (Brett) and Lindsey. Great Grandkids Kinzie, Garrett, Danica, J.J., Ondrea, Ashtyn, Lynx, Braylee, Brynley, Bayler, Miles, Whitt, Sawyer, Haven, Maddie, Delaney, Natalee and Breana. 

Visitation for Dwane will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 9am – 11am at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home. 

No services are planned. 

Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to CCARE in care of the funeral home.