Gerard Leon Nagel

Gerard Leon Nagel, age 88 of Warren, died Saturday, April 26, 2014 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center in Warren. He was born January 27, 1926 in Bay City, Michigan, son of the late Anthony and the late Gladys (nee: Girard) Nagel. With thanks & praise from a grateful nation, we honor Mr. Nagel for his service to our country during World War II as an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army. Serving from April 1944 to April 1946, he attained the rank of Private First Class and was stationed primarily in the European Theater of Operations, spending much of that time throughout the regions of Germany and France. With the utmost in patriotism and bravery,…he wore the uniform proudly, served valiantly with honor and respect, and stood in harm's way in order to preserve the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today…because he was "Over There." Having served in the infamous 3rd Army under the storied General George S. Patton, Gerard was no stranger to the toils of war, nor to the impact the war would have on so many of our hometown heroes,…the sons, brothers, husbands and fathers who sacrificed daily,…like himself. For many, like Gerard, their return home found them rife with stories of their experiences and the memories created while serving abroad. He loved to recount of those days through his many stories, and they never grew old. And though his war time responsibilities were many, some of his down time was interestingly spent doing a little Gold Glove Boxing with fellow soldiers. It was the perfect venue for a little sporting pleasure, a little exercise, a little competition, and definitely for keeping sharp and in shape.Gerard was truly a blessed man, but never-more-so than on that special day, September 25, 1954, when he promised himself in marriage to the love of his life, Jewell. The two would go on to share 60 wonderful years,…building a home, raising a family, and growing deeper in love with each passing day. Gerard was employed as a Machinist / Press Operator with the Devlieg Machine Company, a firm that he devoted 32 of the hardest working years of his life, and from which he ultimately retired. When he wasn't working, some of his favorite pastimes included playing cards, traveling, listening to good music, watching great movies, and perhaps most enjoyably,…giving Ol' Lady Luck a whirl with those treasured Lotto Scratch-Off cards. There was just something invigorating about all that adrenaline and anticipation flowing through his mind and body that said "fun."Every Friday night, it was time for a rousing game of Pinnochle,…or, on occasion, a little Michigan Rummy action. Whatever the game of choice, there was always a great time to be had when family and/or friends were gathered around the table for cards. When it came to Gerard's interest in movies, his favorites were the War genre and the Westerns. Being an army veteran, the old war movies held a special place in his watching delights. And, of course, you just couldn't beat the testosterone boost that accompanies a good ol' John Wayne flick. And no matter HOW MANY times he had watched the old standards, you could always count on hearing him say; "I've never seen that one before."When it came to music, nothing could match the silky smoothness of the legendary Frank Sinatra, or the Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller and his orchestra. This was the music of his era, and always provided him a sweet escape. But music held an even sweeter pleasure for Gerard, that being the music of his own heart,…an expression of which he shared both vocally, and through the harmonica. Possessing unique and talented musical skills, Gerard loved to entertain others, and was even an esteemed 2nd Place winner on Rita Bell's Starlit Stairway, a television show that aired in Detroit throughout the 60's and 70's.Another memory that his family will never forget are the treasured camping excursions they shared,…yeah, the ones where Gerard hung out in the camper,…yeah, the camper he could never seem to back up with ease. After numerous failed attempts, it was his son, Gerard to the rescue. Little Gerard would hop in, back the camper up flawlessly, and the weekend was underway. Oh, by the way,…Little Gerard was 14 years old! Other getaways Gerard (and Jewell) enjoyed took them to picturesque Copper Harbor, and the Sunshine State of Florida. "Getting Away" with Jewell was always a special time, especially when they were headed out to a "PTA Meeting,"…code for stepping out for a few "adult beverages." But every time they returned home, the jig was up,…the kids were onto them. The tell-tale sign was Dad's ashen white face and Mom's pink nose. That PTA meeting must have been quite a good time!A loving husband, father and grandfather, his family meant the world to him, and Gerard nurtured them all with the best part of himself,…his heart. His love was unconditional, but there's no mistaking the special place he held for his cherished grandchildren. They softened his heart & soul and provided a joy that only Grandpa's can know. Gerard leaves a legacy of love that will forever be revered. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Gerard was the beloved husband of Jewell. Dear father of Pamela (James) Goers, Gerard T. (Doreen), and Theresa (Mark) Sroka. Loving grandfather of Lauren (Derek), Samantha, Gerard E., Andrew, and the late Christopher. Visitation for Gerard will be held on Tuesday, April 29th from 5-9pm and again on Wednesday from 2-9pm, with a 7pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. He will lie in state on Thursday from 9:00am until time of the Funeral Mass at 9:30am at St. Mark Catholic Church in Warren. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. Memorial donations are welcomed to the Disabled American Veterans – Chapter 114, 30905 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150 Please share memories of Gerard at his memory book.