John R. Nagel of Morrison, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at the age of 88, but his kind heart and strong will shall not be forgotten.
He was born at home at 1293 Bluff Street, on August 19, 1927, in Dubuque, IA, and was the fourth of six children of Arthur Eugene and Margaret M. (Aureden) Nagel. John attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Dubuque and graduated from Dubuque Senior High in 1945. He proudly served in the U. S. Army at Fort Lewis Washington during the final year of World War II. He later took advantage of the GI Bill, graduating cum laude from Loras College in Dubuque.
John married his best friend, Rita Wilson, on June 16, 1956, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Morrison, IL. They proudly celebrated their 60th anniversary in June 2016. John, together with his brothers, built “The Red Brick Home” on Carroll Road, his family home for over 45 years, where he and Rita raised their six children and he tended his beautiful gardens. Affectionately known as “Jack,” his favorite time was spent with family. His favorite name was “Grandpa.” He loved the holidays but especially our annual 4th of July picnics, playing Euchre, hand cranking ice cream, smoking White Owl cigars, and debating the world economic outlook with his brothers.
John worked his entire 35-year career in finance with General Electric Appliance Control Division in Morrison, until his retirement in 1989. He spent many years on the G.E. bowling and golf leagues, building a lifetime of friendships. John was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Morrison, serving on its finance council and being a Third Degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was proud of his many years of service as a board member at Resthave Nursing Home–the place that became his final home, providing compassionate care during his most difficult days.
John had many other loves, too. He and Rita enjoyed many travel adventures together–visiting their grandchildren, wintering in Florida, and touring in North America and Europe. John was a lifelong and frustrated Cubs fan, loved eating peanuts by the handful, read westerns, listened to Rush Limbaugh, and shared his opinion. Growing up in the Depression, he had an ingrained desire to save and invest–he loved a good rebate, coupon, or sale.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Rita, of Morrison; daughters, Doris Nagel of Vernon Hills, IL, Susan (John) Mack of Maple Grove, MN; sons, Joseph (Julie) Nagel of Stevens Point, WI, Robert (Nancy) Nagel of Morrison, CO, Thomas (Shirlene) Nagel, of Amarillo, TX, and William (Sarah) Nagel of LaCanada, CA; a sister, Dorothy Cox, of Madison, WI; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, George, Arthur, Frederick, and Oliver; two sisters-in-law, Eileen Nagel and Joan Lane (Wilson); two brothers-in-law, Donald Lane and Hugh Cox.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Morrison, IL, with Reverend Slawomir Zimodro, officiating.
Burial will be at Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, IL.
Gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to Mass at the church, Friday, July 15, 2016.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Morrison, IL, or the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of McDonald Funeral Home in Fulton, IL.
To send condolences visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.