Shivangi Sinha
The sudden loss of a family member is devastating and it leaves a trail of shock, grief, and questions that may never be answered. When the person responsible is someone from within the family, the pain becomes even tougher to manage. Chad Entzel’s family experienced this unimaginable reality firsthand. His death not only took away a beloved son and relative but also shattered their sense of understanding and closure. Even years later, they continue to struggle to make sense of what happened and to fill the void left by Chad’s absence. In ABC’s ‘20/20: The Last Strike’, Lori Kraus spoke on behalf of the family and shared the deep emotional toll the tragedy has taken and the lasting impact it has had on their lives.
Chad Entzel’s Family Never Suspected Nikki Entzel to be Involved in the Crime
Ernest Entzel and Deborah “Deb” Isaak were married on August 24, 1973, in Dodge, North Dakota, and soon set out to build a family together. Ernest had previously served in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971, where he was awarded the Purple Heart, a military honor given to service members wounded in combat. After returning home, he began working on the family farm in 1974. On March 31, 1977, the couple welcomed their son, Chad Entzel, in Halliday, North Dakota, followed later by the birth of their daughter, Lori. Though small, the family found happiness in everyday moments. Ernest especially enjoyed playing darts and shared that passion with Chad by joining a dart league together. In 1989, Ernest began working as a heavy equipment operator for Basin Electric, a position he held until his retirement in 2010.
In May 2016, when Chad married Nikki Entzel, his family quietly worried that he might be rushing into the marriage, but they kept those concerns to themselves. Instead, they chose to support Chad fully and welcomed Nikki and her two children into the family with open arms. When the family learned in December that Chad had passed away, the news was devastating and almost impossible to believe. From everything they had seen, he appeared to be living a happy, stable life. The shock deepened when his death was ruled a homicide. They never imagined Nikki would be implicated and had truly considered her part of the family. What hurt them most were her allegations about Chad, which they felt were a betrayal, one that not only fractured their trust but also took Chad away from them forever.
Ernest Entzel Passed Away Before His Son and Deb Entzel Lives Close to Her Daughter
After Ernest Entzel retired, he and Deb continued living in Halliday, North Dakota, enjoying a peaceful life. Ernest spent much of his time doing yard work and occasionally helping on the family farm. His greatest joy came from his two grandsons, and he cherished every moment he could spend with them, considering it a dream come true. On June 25, 2013, Ernest passed away peacefully, surrounded by friends and family. Following the death of her son Chad in January 2020, Deb decided to relocate to Lincoln, North Dakota, to be closer to her daughter Lori and her family.
She found comfort in being near them while continuing to manage her own life, including work at National Information Solutions Cooperative. Deb maintains a low profile publicly and focuses on family and honoring the memory of Chad. She and Lori make it a point to spend time together, going on trips and creating moments that celebrate family, while ensuring Chad’s life and legacy are remembered and respected. This commitment helps Deb get through the profound losses she has endured while keeping family connections strong.
Lori Kraus is a Dedicated Mother to Two Sons Today
Lori Kraus always knew her brother Chad to be kind and gentle, and she looked up to him as a pillar of support. He adored his nephews, Carter and Carson Kraus, always making time to hang out, play, and be present in their lives. She testified against Nikki Entzel at her trial in October 2022 and even spoke at her sentencing. She said that her family was survivors and that Nikki had broken them apart.
Lori and her husband, Rick Kraus, have settled in Lincoln, North Dakota, where they are raising their two sons. Their older child, Carter, has a keen interest in sports and athletics, and Lori is a constant presence at his games, cheering him on and celebrating his achievements. She is herself a graduate from Minot State University, but does not seem to be working presently. The family makes a point to spend holidays together, always including Deb, Lori’s mother, wherever possible. They share trips and gatherings and together, they work to preserve his voice in their lives. These efforts help them hold onto each other and the memories of a beloved brother and son.
Read More: Where is Nikki Entzel Now?
