Gilbert Floyd Nagel

Gilbert F. Nagel, age 96, lifelong resident of Fresno, CA, died October 12, 2021,peacefully in his sleep. "Gil", son of Henry Peter and Katharina Elizabeth is the last remaining of his family to pass. All of his 12 siblings are deceased (John, Jacob, George, Henry, Rose, Sam, Renny, Rachael, Violet, Daniel, Lucille, and Danny). He was married to his sweetheart, Grace (Klyver) until her death in 2007. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Damon Newsom, and great grandson, Michael Cheatwood.

He leaves behind his three daughters: JoAnne Campbell (Kenneth) of Fowler, CA, Bette Mitchell (Gary) and Nancy Newsom, both of Blaine, WA. In addition, he has 6 grandchildren: Melinda (Lance) Cheatwood and Trisha (Joseph) Hammond of Fowler, Sydney (Andrea) Newsom of Santa Cruz, Corrie Mitchell and Krista (Jason) Mantello of Bellingham, WA, and Tyler (Jamie) Mitchell of Bothell, WA. He was blessed with 10 great grandchildren: Whitney, Tysen, Connor, Hudson, Madilyn, Bennett, Mitchell, Quinn, Walter, and Araxi.

Gilbert was raised in his family home on the westside of Fresno which was called German Town. He started working at the age of 5 selling newspapers on the street corner. He also picked fruit with his family. He talked about the long rides to Hollister and sitting the back of a truck on the way home. He also worked in his family's grocery store and was very active in sports. He loved playing football and was on the front line. He would get a big smile when he talked about smashing into the opponents! Along with football, he played basketball, baseball and track often as the captain of the team for whatever sport he was playing. He was the class president when he graduated from Edison High School. Throughout the years, he attended many class reunions. He joined the U.S. Navy on February 5, 1944, and was a Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class.

He was stationed in the Philippines and upon returning to Fresno, attended Fresno State and majored in Business. He married Grace in 1947.

Gilbert and Grace started their life together in the family home on Princeton Avenue where he lived for 73 years.

He worked in the grocery business as a meat cutter/butcher at Rainbow Market, Walter Reitz Meat Market located in Bargain Food Market, and Continental Market.

He was active in the Meat Cutters Union and eh went on to be the President of his local union. He served as a business agent for the AFL-CIO Meat Cutters and Retail Clerks Union for many years establishing a reputation as a fair negotiator for the employees and employers alike.

As a member of the local Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, he served in many capacities. Gilbert sang in the choir as he loved music. He was a deacon and President of the congregation throughout his years.

He was an active member and leader of his local Toastmasters, as well.

Gil was known for his love of sports. In his younger days, hew played baseball on many winning city league teams accumulating many trophies. He also coached several winning teams.

In his retirement, he was often seen on the golf course. At home he would be reading the sports page while watching a game on TV, and listening to another on the radio. He was a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan and a San Francisco 49rs fan.

After his retirement, Gil and Grace traveled the U.S. by trailer enjoying the many sights across America. One of their most memorable celebrations was a gathering of friends and relatives for their 50th wedding anniversary in October of 1997.

Gil's love for putting a lovely BBQ meal in front of his family gave him great joy and his knowledge of meat far surpassed any cooking show. His tri-tips were the tastiest of all!

Gil was an active Grandpa and attended sports games and school plays of his grandchildren. He led a full and blessed life and is now at home with his Lord Jesus Christ.

Remembrances may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, 4672 N. Cedar, Fresno, CA 93726 or to The Lutheran Hour (www.thelutheranhour.org).

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 25, 2021 at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel from 3 to 6 pm. On Tuesday, October 26, 2021 a memorial service will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel at 10:30 am., 202 N. Teilman Ave., Fresno, CA 93706.

Please use the following link to view the recorded memorial service:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://vimeo.com/639411517__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!b1SBs_EFt7OVKKzfGOQFg7yXN9O2YrPOqWNKC5OWkBJWLJZ4c9ijj7ipcl7BBluiOlF7BGAp5Q$

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