Laura E. Nagel

From her first breath to her last, Ann led her life with faith, love, compassion and forgiveness.

Laura Edith (Wagner) Nagel was a woman of many names, her most prominent nickname 'Ann" was a tribute to her mother Anna (Coleman) Wagner. On the Wagner side of the family she was known as Aunt Tootie and on the Nagel side as Aunt Ann or Aunt Tuttie. Most people called her "Ann" throughout her lifetime, a few people called her Laurie but Laura was a name that never seemed to stick to this spirited woman. Her most cherished roles included daughter, sister, family member, friend, aunt, spouse, mom, grandma, GG (Great Grandmother), church member and cafeteria lady, all which she fulfilled with love, laughter and thoughtfulness.

Born July 1, 1928 to Anna (Coleman) and Joseph Wagner in Temperance Michigan, her young life was at times a constant challenge. With the loss of her father when Ann was two years old her mother undertook the task of raising her four young children on her own. Combined with the Great Depression and her family's circumstances, Ann might have grown up with a world-weary outlook but in spite of the hurdles she was always a ray of hope and good-humor. She viewed everyone as equals, worthy of respect, kindness, connection and forgiveness.

Married to Kenneth L. Nagel in 1947, their union was blessed with four children, Constance, (Perry), Bonnie, Kenneth and David. Her deepest sorrows were the passing of her husband, son Kenny, daughter Connie and Connie's husband Douglas Perry. Also preceding her were her beloved parents, stepfather William Willoughby, sister Lillian (Edgar Beilstein) and brothers Lawrence (Lucille) and Albert (Katherine), as well as her parents' other children John, Eleanor, Lottie and Elwood. Her other great losses were dear friends, especially Ken Cox, Mary Earl, Gwen Goodwin, Annie Kohler, Walter Nutter and Paula Post. Mourning her loss are daughter Bonnie Nagel (Craig Shopneck), son David Nagel (Darice Gomez) and grandchildren Carolyn (Perry) (Michael Vasko), Leah Shopneck (Sam Butler-Hogg), Jarrett Nagel, Ben Shopneck (Coco Caporal), Madison Nagel and great-grandsons Noah Vasko and Owen and Dylan Butler-Hogg as well as unofficial grandchildren, Eli J. Asher (Emily), Tobias Milz and Adam (Cory) and Hannah Moreau. Honorary daughters Marlena Asher, Cheryl Haws, Daryl Hibbard and Jill Moreau were a significant part of her life.

It is impossible to find the words to describe the kindness and thoughtfulness Ann radiated everyday through the light and dark times. She had a knack for making everyone feel comfortable and included. Prior to the death of her husband, Ann learned to drive in her 40's and became the family's breadwinner. Her goal of making sure all her children and grandchildren completed college degrees was fulfilled. Selflessly caring for loved ones in their times of need and sickness was second nature.

In 8th grade she quit school to help support her family, helping her mother take in laundry and later working in a bakery and during WWII at Libbey Glass. After marrying she was employed as clerical support to various local employers including her husband's Toledo Fireworks Company. Prior to retirement she worked for the Washington Local School District in food services, finishing up her career at Trilby Elementary School as Cafeteria Manager. Her work ethics, math, human relations and speed typing skills were bar none.

Ann was a woman of powerful faith, with biblical readings and kneeling prayers a part of her daily life. Memorial Lutheran Church was her church home from the early 1960's until her passing. When she moved to Genesis Village (Reynolds Road, Toledo) she found another faith community within its worship offerings and bible study classes. We want to thank both of these entities for meaning so much to Ann and her faith. In addition, Genesis Village proved a wonderful place for her to live and thrive – filled with fun and rewarding activities, old and new friends and a wonderful and caring staff.

Ann passed on August 29, 2023 at Otterbein Perrysburg and we want especially to thank these staff members for the care they provided - AK, Angela, Banji, Deanna, Gloria, Megan, Olivia and Pastor Pete. We want to also thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio (D'Anna, Mary and Dawn) and Ashanti Hospice (Amie and Mary) for their support of Ann and her family.

Quoting Ann, we would like to conclude this brief summary of her life with the same words she used to bid goodbye……."I love you and God Bless."

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio Area Services, 620 N. Erie Street, Toledo, OH 43604 in Laura Nagel's honor.

If you will be attending services for Ann, please wear blue as it was her favorite color!

A visitation will be held for Ann from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home - 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614. A funeral service will be held from 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Memorial Lutheran Church at 3215 Douglas Rd, Toledo, OH 43606. Internment at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery (6382 Monroe Street, Sylvania, Ohio. 43560) will immediately follow the service.

To share a memory of Laura or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.