Gerald L. "Gerry" Nagel

Gerald L. Nagel, 67, beloved husband and father, passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. He fought valiantly in his battle with cancer, remaining positive and hopeful to the end.

Gerry was born to Louis and Mildred Nagel on Aug. 21, 1950.

After attending Western Michigan University, he began a career in education with the DeKalb Central School District. Throughout his career, he taught English, theater, speech, debate and photography, before retiring in 2006. During his tenure, he developed an exemplary speech program and coached the high school girls golf team.

Outside of his career in education, Gerry pursued several entrepreneurial ventures, including sale and promotion of antiquities and founding of Nagel’s Garden House, a retail business specializing in perennial plants.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet; a daughter, Jennifer (Douglas) Lavanture; and son, Jonathan Nagel. Also surviving are his brother, David (Rhonda) Nagel; mother-in-law, Phyllis Buttermore; sisters-in-law, Margaret Buttermore, Susan Buttermore and Betty (Jeff) Conrad; nieces and nephews, Jack (Jessie) Conrad, Kathryn Conrad, Amanda (Corey) Swangin, Kim (Ian) Buckles and Ali (Travis) Linnemeier.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2018, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn.

A private committal service will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn with the Rev. David Lawrence officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Auburn Presbyterian Church or the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.