John R. Nagel, of Deerbrook, died on January 26, 2024 at Rosalia Gardens surrounded by his beloved family. He was 81 years old. He was born on March 27, 1942 in Monticello, Iowa, the oldest son of John and Madge (LaChapelle) Nagel. He married Shirley Shover on November 12, 1960 in Central City, Iowa.

He was a graduate of Central City High School in Central City, class of 1960. John and Shirley rented a farm in Central City until 1966 when they moved to the Antigo area and found their own forever farm on County Road V. In the early years, John worked at Antigo Retreaders, Aulik Implement, and sold livestock trailers to supplement income to sustain the farm. They started with 30 dairy cows that has now expanded to a herd of 750 dairy cows with 2,700 acres. In 2002, John's farm became Nagel Dairy Farms, LLC with his son, Jason.

John was a member of the Town of Peck Volunteer Fire Department, served on the Langlade County Fair Board, and was a part of the Antigo Stockcar Club. He was proud to have hosted Breakfast on the Farm in 2014. For 16 years John and Shirley would spend their winters in Sun City, Arizona where he was a part of multiple card clubs.

John was a man with very strong faith. Through droughts he would never lose a moment of sleep because he prayed that God would provide what his crops needed. He was so proud to see his grandchildren, Lily and Carson, be involved in the farm always striving to help their grandpa, and gave him reassurance that the farm would continue with them. At 81 years old, John was only semi-retired from the farm and worked up to the day of his stroke in October of 2022.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Shirley Nagel of Deerbrook; four daughters, Julie (Paul) Volkmann of Birnamwood, Judy Nagel of Antigo, Jackie (Tim) Santos of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Jolynne (David) Schroepfer of Birnamwood; two sons, Robert (Lori) Nagel of Hilbert and Jason (Carlene) Nagel of Deerbrook; 18 grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joe (Marlene) Nagel of Central City, Iowa and Jerry (Marlene) Nagel of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three sisters, Janice (Don) Larson of Amana, Iowa, Jane (Ron) Thompson of Davis City, Iowa, and Jeanette Strong of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister-in-law, Laurie Nagel of Lancaster, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Nagel.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 1, at 10 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. David Karolus officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and continue on Thursday at 9 a.m. until the time of service.

The Nagel family would like to thank the nurses of LeRoyer Hospice and Rosalia Gardens for caring for John.

For those who are unable to attend, John's service can be viewed LIVE at https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyfuneralhome during the time of the service.

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