Dennis Nagel
Brookings
June 8, 1943 - Feb. 24, 2021
Dennis James Nagel, 77, of Brookings, SD, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021.
Public visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Brookings. Private family graveside services will be held. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Dennis James Nagel was born on June 8, 1943, the son of Homer and Electa (Trygstad) Nagel. He died peacefully at his home on Feb. 24, 2021, following a yearlong battle with colon cancer.
Dennis grew up on the family farm south of Volga, SD. He attended Washington District 18 and graduated from Volga High School. He attended and graduated from Springfield Technical School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 where he served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1967. He met the love of his life, Donna Jean Smith, and the couple was married on Nov. 10, 1967. They were blessed with two daughters, Danelle and Denise.
Besides his love for family, his love of cars was his livelihood. Dennis worked for LeFevre Motor Company, Boerger Motors and Hoffelt Motors. He purchased the body shop, Nagel’s Bump and Paint, which he owned and operated until the fall of 2020.
Dennis always had a great love for Corvettes and classic cars. He enjoyed times with the Brookings Area Corvette Club, Brookings Car Council and area car shows. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Brookings Fire Department for 27 years. He loved to boat, water ski, camp, hunt and keep up with NASCAR! He also enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends near and far.
Dennis is survived by his wife Donna; daughters Danelle Hauge, of Sioux Falls, SD and Denise (Justin) Vetos, of Nampa, ID; his three grandchildren, Dana Hauge, Zackery (Alicia) Vetos and Jadyn Vetos; three sisters, Carolyn (Sheldon) Cotton, Lucy Paulsen and Linda (Tom) Finn; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Todd Hauge.
Per Dennis’ request, we are asking everyone to wear SDSU Jackrabbit or Corvette/car apparel to the services.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
