Dennis Duane Nagel

In Loving Memory of Dennis Duane Nagel

Dennis Duane Nagel, born February 27, 1946, in Sac City, Iowa to his parents Henry and Ivola (Peyton) Nagel. He passed away peacefully at his home on February 5, 2026, in La Salle.

Dennis joined the United States military at an early age and proudly served his country overseas during the Vietnam War. Though he rarely spoke about his time in service, it was a chapter of his life marked by quiet strength and courage. In later years, he shared part of that story in a special interview with his great-grandson, Bryson Layne — a memory his family will treasure.

Thirty-two years ago, Dennis married the love of his life, Connie Nagel. Their marriage was filled with partnership, devotion, and shared laughter until Connie’s passing in the summer of 2021. The love they built together remained with Dennis always.

Dennis found his greatest joy in time spent with his daughter Amy and her family on their La Salle farm. There, he could often be found watching his great-grandchildren play, smiling quietly as they grew, learned, and discovered the world around them. Nothing meant more to him than seeing the kids thrive.

He was a man of simple pleasures and strong opinions. Dennis loved muscle cars, history movies, thriller films, and faithfully watching Survivor. He had a gift for humor and never missed a chance to give someone a tough time — always with that unmistakable spark in his eye that let you know it came from love.

In his younger days, Dennis helped raise chickens, cared for his beloved donkeys, enjoyed “junking” old cars, stopping by donut shops, and driving his old Kubota tractor. He appreciated honest work, open spaces, and the comfort of familiar routines.

Dennis is survived by his brother Dale and Wife Colette Nagel, His sister Cindy, and her husband John Pitts. his children: Amy and Steve Brehon, Angie and Ben Weathers, Todd, and Chris; his grandchildren Brittany, Shelby, Kenzie, Xander, Xavier, Dylaini and Matthew; and his cherished great-grandchildren Bryson Layne and Addie Rose, who lovingly knew him as Papa Dennis. He had many surviving first cousins. Roger, Carol McDonald, Niel Peyton, Perry, Jim Monkelien, Larry, Charles Peyton, Deanne, Donita and John Wickersheim, Wilbur, Ray Delp. He also cherished his special visit from a very a close cousin, Perry. Letters and phone calls from a wonderful long-time friend Rick. 

His sweet, beloved pup Sophie will be watched over by his surviving Family members enjoy her days on the farm. 

He will be remembered for his steady presence, his quiet patriotism, his deep love for family, and the way he always made life a little more interesting with his humor. His legacy lives on in the laughter of his grandchildren, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.