Greg and Kari Ebel: A Story of Resilient Faith

Greg and Kari Ebel began their family on Sept. 13, 2014, at Kari’s home church of St. Ludger’s. As they raised their children, their desire to pass on their faith deepened. Over the years, their trust in God would be tested and strengthened in ways they could never have imagined.

Faith Through Medical Trials

On Nov. 10, 2019, the Ebels welcomed their third child, Eli Victor, into the world. Born prematurely at 33 weeks and with Down Syndrome, Eli faced serious medical challenges. He spent three months in the NICU, during which Kari stayed with him while Greg managed life at home with their two older sons, Zachary and Garrett.

Eli was baptized on Jan. 10, 2020, and came home the following month, but his journey was far from over. He required a feeding tube, battled seizures and thyroid issues, attended therapy twice a week, and prepared for heart surgery.

Despite the daunting medical demands, the Ebels found joy in Eli’s presence.

“He faced many ups and downs, but he was always so full of joy and won over the hearts of those blessed to meet him,” Kari said.

Their trials multiplied in March 2022 when Greg was diagnosed with mouth cancer. He began chemotherapy and radiation treatments, adding another layer of medical strain to their lives.

“Medical appointments were all our family seemed to know,” Kari recalled.

Faith Through Loss and Grief

As they navigated Eli’s health challenges and Greg’s cancer treatments, the family also endured a series of personal losses. Kari’s grandmother passed away in 2021, followed by Greg’s grandmother in early 2023, and Kari’s father in late 2023. Each loss brought fresh heartache, but the hardest day came on Sept. 30, 2022, when Eli passed away after a sudden illness.

Just days before, the family had celebrated Eli’s life by participating in a Down Syndrome Walk with friends and relatives. A few days later, Eli had an EEG done and the report showed promising results.

“We were praising God for his goodness,” Kari said.

But on Sept. 29, Eli fell critically ill.

“We kept praying for a miracle,” Kari said. “We didn’t get the miracle we wanted, but we know that Eli’s heart was healed on God’s terms.”

Kari found comfort in her connection to Mary, Jesus’ mother.

“After watching my son pass away and feeling so helpless, I found peace knowing Mary endured similar pain,” she said.

A New Guardian in Heaven

After Eli’s passing, Kari told him he had an important job to do: watch over his family, especially his dad, who was still fighting cancer. The family draws strength from knowing Eli is looking after them.

“Our family had gained our own little saint and a beacon to Heaven,” the couple said.

A week after Eli’s funeral, Greg underwent surgery to remove cancerous tumors. In August 2023, he faced another scare when new spots appeared on his lungs. His oncologist suspected the cancer had spread. However, on the day of his scheduled surgery, Greg saw a rainbow and felt Eli’s presence. Moments later, his doctor called with unexpected news: the spots were not cancer. Instead, they were a treatable fungal infection.

“I believe in miracles,” Kari said. “That day, I know Eli was holding up his end of the deal to help cure his dad.”

Finding Joy Amid Sorrow

Amid their grief and trials, the Ebels continue to choose joy and faith. They trust in God’s plans, even when life feels overwhelming. Their motto: Live each day to the fullest, trust God, and let him do the heavy lifting.

“Some days are harder than others, and grief can hit you unexpectedly,” they said. “But we know God loves us, and His plans are always better than ours. We trust Him through it all.”

Their sons, Zachary and Garrett, remain a source of joy. Zachary celebrated his First Communion in 2023, and Garrett eagerly awaits his turn in 2025. The boys stay active in sports, 4-H, and Family Faith Formation, while the family enjoys supporting the Creighton Bulldogs, the Huskers, and other favorite sports teams.

Greg farms with his father, and Kari works at Central Valley Ag. Kari serves the parish as a youth prayer partner, YDisciple leader, and Eucharistic minister, finding fulfillment in ministering to the sick and elderly. Zachary started altar serving this year, and the boys help Kari with greeter and usher duties.

Through their trials, the Ebel family’s faith has grown stronger.

“People ask how we handle it all,” Kari said. “The only answer I have is that we draw our strength from Jesus, Mary, the Saints, and being in church. Never forget how much Jesus loves you and wants to be in relationship with you. We believe we should live each day spreading the gospel and working to get to Heaven.”

*Originally published in the January 2025 edition of Our Catholic Family Magazine.