Donna Jean (Smith) Nagel was born Oct. 1, 1947, the daughter of Arthur and Ann Marie (Ebbers) Smith.
She died peacefully at the Neighborhoods at Brookview on Sept. 24, 2022, following a brief illness. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. The family will be holding a Family Graveside Service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, at the St. Thomas More Catholic Cemetery in Brookings, SD.
Donna grew up in Brookings, SD. She attended Brookings schools and graduated from Brookings High School in 1965. She graduated from Willmar Area Votech with an associate’s degree in secretarial skills. She met and married the love of her life, Dennis James Nagel, on November 10, 1967. They were blessed with daughters Danelle and Denise. Besides a love of family and friends, Donna loved children. She dedicated 43 years to in-home daycare. Donna had a passion for shopping! She was always on the hunt for antiques, shoes, clothes, jewelry and items for various collections. Donna also enjoyed picking rocks, boating, gardening, traveling and decorating her home for most holidays.
Donna is survived by daughters Danelle Hauge of Sioux Falls, SD; Denise (Justin) Vetos of Nampa, ID; three grandsons, Dana Hauge, Zackery (Alicia) Vetos, and Jadyn Vetos; brother Ron (Roxanne) Smith; two sisters, Kathy Tassler and Sherry Rindels-Larsen (Steve Winden); three sisters-in-law Carolyn Cotton, Lucy Paulsen and Linda (Tom) Finn; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dennis; brothers-in-law, Sheldon Cotton and Paul Paulsen; and son-in-law Todd Hauge.
Per Donna’s request we are asking everyone to wear SDSU Jackrabbit colors or apparel.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.