Daniel Frank Vrabel

Daniel Frank Vrabel, 88 years young, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer. He fought long and hard, never wavering in his faith. Our daddy, Papa, uncle, brother, friend, and husband peacefully left this world for his heavenly reward, surrounded by his loving and supportive family at his home in Georgetown, holding the hand of his beloved wife.

Daniel was the second son born to Willie Alois Vrabel Sr. and Steffie Valis Vrabel of Jarrell, Texas, on August 29, 1938. His oldest brother, Willie (Wilma), preceded him in death and was waiting for him on the day he went home. Next came Mary Vrabel Koch (Herb), Milton Vrabel (Beth), Kenneth Vrabel (Debby), and Jean Vrabel Buchhorn (Richard).

He was born and raised in Jarrell, Texas. He graduated from Jarrell High School and was a proud Jarrell Cougar until the end! In his childhood and teenage years, Daddy worked to help support his family, mostly by farming their crops of cotton, maize, and corn. Most harvesting was done by hand with his siblings, and he had many stories to tell about that time of his life.

Daniel Frank Vrabel, also known as “Shorty,” “Big Daddy,” and “Scooter” by his friends, was the hardest-working man, teaching his kids, grandkids, and anyone who knew him to have a good work ethic, be honest, and be accountable for their actions. Daddy worked building highways throughout Texas in his younger days. He was also a heavy equipment mechanic for Holt Caterpillar, eventually retiring from Texas Crushed Stone after 22 years as a mechanic.

Daddy was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for at least 60 years. He served on the church council for many years. He loved being part of the church choir and loved singing his Czech music. He was very active in his church community. He was also a member of KJT for 75 years.

Daddy was a social butterfly! He loved visiting with people and talking about the old days. Our families would get together to hang out at the river, fishing, trout-lining at night, and floating down the river so all the kids could go! He loved going to Moravian Hall and the SPJST Hall, dancing anytime there was a Czech band playing!

Daddy also loved his family traditions. Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, we made homemade sausage and smoked it. Everyone—from his kids, nieces, and nephews to anyone who wanted to learn—was at his house early in the morning to get started!

Daddy was also known for having an abundant garden that he shared proudly. Daddy was famously known for his saltwater pickles. Along with his grandkids, Tommy, Justin, Rachael, and Selena, he participated in years of BBQ cook-offs, winning multiple awards. BBQ was at the center of all our get-togethers.

Daddy never missed a baseball or softball game of his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was always on the lookout for “treasures” on the road as he drove and would have us kids jump out as he stopped at a green light to retrieve the treasure. Selena was one of the many victims who ended up with injuries from these treasure hunts!

Daddy loved him some John Deere tractors. He was an avid estate-sale connoisseur and was always looking for things that reminded him of his childhood.

In 1959, he married the love of his life, Wanda Ellis Vrabel, at St. Helen’s Catholic Church. They were blessed with two children, Danna Gray in 1968 and Michael Vrabel in 1973. But before they had us, they had multiple nieces and nephews they adored. After becoming a family with Danna and Michael, they decided to settle down and put down roots in Georgetown, Texas, in 1976.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Steffie Vrabel, and his brother, Willie Vrabel Jr., of Jarrell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda, of 67 years; his daughter, Danna, and her husband, Bryon Gray; and his son, Michael, and wife, Cindy Vrabel.

He was blessed with and loved his grandchildren very much: Tommy and Heather Lockhart of Jarrell, Justin and Brianna Lockhart of San Marcos, Rachael Lockhart of Georgetown, and Selena and Ozzy Tackett of Taylor.

His great-grandkids were a special joy to him as well: Bailey and Daniel Lockhart, Harper and Wyatt Lockhart, Beaux and Brock Tackett, and bonus granddaughter Lizzy.

He also has honorary grandkids who are from his grandson’s baseball team, the Wampus Cats, whom he watched play together for 10 years as they grew.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 2, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Corn Hill, Texas. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m., Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial and a luncheon.

Pallbearers will be Scott Blakely, Scott Vrabel, Jimmy Vrabel, Ozzy Tackett, Douglas Koch, and Mike McLaughlin.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Wampus Cats baseball team. His grandson Daniel and his honorary grandson, Sam Bible of Georgetown, will represent them at the service.

The family would like to thank Valerian Home Health and Hospice for the great, loving care they provided our father, especially Margaret, Taylor, and Claudia, for always being available to guide and support our family through this journey.

We would also like to thank all the doctors and nurses who guided us, cared for him, and loved him throughout this journey. Dr. Patel, Bekah, Dr. Engelbrecht and all her nurses, Dr. Otto and his associates, and all the other medical professionals who cared for Daddy—thank you!

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers in his name to JDRF to help find a cure for diabetes. Two of his grandchildren have Type 1 diabetes, and we hope that one day there will be a cure so that others do not have to face this disease. Donations may also be made in his name to Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Visitation: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8626 FM 1105, Jarrell, TX 76537, on October 2, 2026, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Prayer Service: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8626 FM 1105, Jarrell, TX 76537, on October 2, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Funeral Service: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8626 FM 1105, Jarrell, TX 76537, on October 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Committal Service: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8626 FM 1105, Jarrell, TX 76537, on October 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.