Rita Ann Nagel

Rita Ann Nagel age 75 of Rensselaer, IN passed away on Wednesday June 17, 2009 at Home Hospital, Lafayette, IN. She was born on January 30, 1934 in Logansport, IN to Joseph and Marie (Deininger) Kerber, both deceased. Rita was a graduate of Logansport High School Class of 1952 and St. Elizabeth School of Nursing Class of 1955. On November 24, 1956 she married Gerald Delos Nagel, who passed away on March 17, 1997. Until her retirement in 1997, Rita’s occupations were multiple and varied. Rita worked side-by-side with Jerry managing and running the family farm. She was a Registered Nurse working in multiple capacities. Serving as office nurse to Dr. Francis O’Brien, which brought her to Rensselaer, began her nursing career. She worked in Surgery, Recovery and Obstetrics. Her innovative nature inspired her to develop a Health Occupations Class for Rensselaer Central High School and subsequently founding and directing the AlternaCare Unit at Jasper County Hospital until her retirement. Rita was a member of the Saint Augustine Catholic Church of Rensselaer and the Christian Women’s Group. She remained active as a volunteer in numerous capacities: Food Pantry, Local and State Vocations Cross Project, Prayer Tree, Jasper County Hospital Hospice as a volunteer and volunteer coordinator, and the Auxiliary including playing bunco with the Alternacare residents. She was a past member of the American Cancer Society, Saint Augustine Parish Council and School Board, and the Jasper County Community Services Board of Directors. Other volunteer activities included Knights of Columbus Women’s Auxiliary, Right-to-Life and religious education teacher at Saint Augustine and Sacred Heart, Remington. She holds the State of Indiana FFA Honorary Degree and was a staunch supporter of the 4-H program being ever present during fair events, most notably project judging, fashion review, and the 4-H swine show. Some of Rita’s legacy will include her sense of humor that allowed her to approach her endeavors with courage and determination. Her nonjudgmental attitude allowed her to see the good in all that encouraged many to develop a strong self-esteem and remember her as an inspiration to countless people. Most of all this generous and persevering woman exhibited a deep faith which found her in continuous prayer for others and their needs, which she portrayed even to her death. She will be deeply missed by all. Rita is survived by her loving children, Doug (Marcia) Nagel, Rensselaer, IN; Cathy (Bob) Hanna, Rensselaer, IN; Lynn (Alan) Eisberg, Dousman, WI; Andy (Angie) Nagel, Rensselaer, IN; Father Rick Nagel, Greenwood, IN; Judy (Brian) Egan, Rensselaer, IN; Kurt (Suzanne) Nagel, Rensselaer, IN; Kristina (Sidney) Dobson, Rensselaer, IN and Patty (Jason) Kilmer, Brookston, IN 31 Grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren One brother, Richard (Betty) Kerber, Lafayette, IN One sister, Mary Louise Shenneman, Peru, IN Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gerald, 2 brothers & 1 sister

Rita Ann Nagel

January 30, 1934 - June 17, 2009