Ruth Nagel

Funeral services for Ruth Nagel, age 74, of Ortonville, will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville.

Visitation will be at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Rev. David Tonn will officiate and music will be provided by Amy Adelman and Katelyn Berdan. Casket bearers will be Ruth's grandchildren: Zachary Giese, Tiffany Giese, Emily Giese, Vanessa Nagel, Mitchel Nagel, Mickenley Nagel, C.J. Nagel, Michaela Matzke, Isaac Matzke, and Samantha Matzke. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

Ruth Sharon Townsend was born on April 21, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was baptized in the Congregational Church in Graceville. Ruth grew up on the Townsend farm south of Graceville. Attending school in Graceville, she was active in 4-H, as a cheerleader, and taught Sunday School. Upon her graduation in 1957, she entered the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to pursue her nursing degree. She graduated as an RN in 1960.

Ruth was united in marriage with Doran Nagel on October 27, 1960, in the Congregational Church in Graceville. They were blessed with four children. Lifelong Big Stone County residents, Ruth and Doran first lived in Graceville, then resided in Clinton from 1961 – 1967, and made their permanent home in Ortonville beginning in 1967.

Ruth's career found her using her nursing skills in clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals. She volunteered for Rice Hospice, Big Stone Lake Area Food Shelf, and Meals on Wheels. Ruth was a member of First English Lutheran Church.

Hobbies included sewing, handwork, baking, cooking, and tending to her garden. She enjoyed snuggling with her "kids" Snoopy and Abbie. What Ruth loved most of all was grandchildren, grandchildren, grandchildren! She attended as many activities as she possibly could and was, hands down, their biggest cheerleader! Her vivaciousness will be greatly missed.

Ruth died at her home on February 28, 2014, having reached the age of 74.

Left with her loving memory are her husband Doran of Ortonville, MN; children: Michelle (Tim) Giese of Ortonville, MN; Mike Nagel of Morris, MN; David (Gayle) Nagel of Faribault, MN; and Sheila (Scott) Matzke of Shakopee, MN; ten grandchildren; sisters: Gladys Howen of Ortonville, MN; Carolyn Pansch of Graceville, MN; and Alice Hansen of Hutchinson, MN; and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her siblings: David, James, Ole, Stella, Edith, Olive, and Mary.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorials to the Ortonville/Graceville Branch of Rice Hospice, the Big Stone County Food Shelf, or the First English Lutheran Church Youth Fund.