ERNEST S. NAGEL

Ernest S. Nagel, 80 of Lake Havasu City, ND formerly of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at his home. Ernest Sherman Nagel was born May 10, 1932 in Cavalier County on his family’s farmstead near Starkweather, ND. He died at home surrounded by his loving family April 9, 2013 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Ernie was the firstborn child of Velrein (Schmidt) and Churchil Nagel. He attended West Banner Grade School and graduated from Starkweather High School in 1951. He worked on the Nick Heit farm after graduation until he was drafted into the army. He served 2 tours in the Korean War, from 1952 to 1954. He and his unit were awarded two bronze service medals. He was honorably discharged in 1954. Ernie married Evelyn Elaine Nelson (Brocket, ND) Oct 25, 1954. They lived in Devil's Lake, ND until 2009 where together they raised their four children. Ernie worked at the Devil’s Lake Daily Journal for 26 years then went on to work in small print shops in the area until his retirement. One of his greatest joys in retirement was working on the Frith farm in Crary, ND. He often worked 14 to 16 hours a day throughout the planting and harvesting season. Anything related to John Deere tractors was Ernie’s passion. He restored an old John Deere H. and participated in many parades, often with grandchildren at his side. He loved the outdoors, camping and boating with family, and visiting with friends both old and new. He was proud that he was able to provide his family with many fond memories made during their annual summer vacations and frequent weekend camping trips. Playing guitar and singing with his Val Vista band during the 18 years he and Evelyn wintered at Val Vista RV Resort was also a source of joy. In 2009, they moved to Casa Grande, AZ fulltime and in February, 2013 to Lake Havasu City, AZ to be nearer to family. Just prior to Ernest’s death he stated he had lived a great life…“we had a lot of fun...didn’t we, Evelyn?” Ernie is survived by his loving wife Evelyn and their four children; Jeri Lyn Nagel Rudolf (Bill Kohlhaase) Santa Fe, NM, Jacquelyn Nagel Meyer-Spitz (Ted) Lake Havasu City, AZ, JoNell Nagel Bye (Scott) Fargo, ND and James D. Nagel (Beverly Greenwald) Fargo, ND. He is also survived by grandchildren; Joseph, Katherine and Elizabeth Rudolf, Christopher Syverson (Sarah), Brittaney Syverson van der Hagen (Scott), Megan Bye Dahl (Steve) and Jared Bye (Briana), step grandchildren; Scott Meyer (Marie) and Julie Meyer Braseth (Randy). He is also survived by four great-grandchildren; Veda J (Syverson) van der Hagen, Aiden and Christian Syverson, Finnegan (Bye) Dahl and four step great-grandchildren; Andrew Meyer and Alex, Ryan & Kayla Braseth. Also surviving him are his three sisters; Rosie (Dennis) Wentz, Flora (Richard) McGarvey & Ilene Schemionek and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Velrein and Churchil Nagel, mother-in-law Fyetta Nelson Dufak, brother-in-law and best friend William Schemionek and son-in-law Russell Meyer. Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 24, 2013 11:00 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with burial at Devils Lake Cemetery with full military honors. Leitz-Fraze Funeral Home of Lake Havasu City, AZ and Gilbertson Funeral Home of Devils Lake, ND were in charge of arrangements. Donations are preferred to Hospice of Lake Havasu City POB 597 Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405.