Martin Daniel Nagel

On November 17, 2020, Martin Daniel Nagel, age 89 years, passed away at Luther Special Care Home in Saskatoon, SK.

Martin was born on January 16, 1931 at the family farm north of Killdeer, SK. He was the youngest of 13 children - 9 sisters and 3 brothers. Martin began attending school in Table Butte and later in Killdeer. He spent his younger years with his childhood companion, his dog Rover, reading books, helping on the farm and working in the garden with his mother. As a young boy, Martin hunted and had a trapline, which he checked on skis. Martin worked with his dad and brother on the farm, tending to crops and livestock. He taught himself to play guitar, organ and harmonica, sparking his love of music that continued throughout his life.

In the summer of 1949, Martin met Vera Ching, they were married on May 28, 1951 and started their new life together on their own farm in Killdeer where they raised their four children - Valerie, Florence, Tracy and Carter.

Throughout his adult life, Martin enjoyed hunting, trapping, attending Wood Mountain, Opheim and Rockglen rodeos, playing horseshoes and card games - especially with his grandchildren. A lover of nature, Martin took great pride in his yard and farming - learning from and sharing his knowledge with others. He was also a strong proponent of furthering one’s education. Music remained a major part of Martin’s life throughout his adult years; he would often play his guitar, sing many old classic songs and dust up the dance floor at community functions. On occasion, he could be heard yodeling as he walked across the yard or while on the tractor.

Martin had a sense of adventure which he satisfied by reading about wildlife, identifying birds, watching documentaries and history TV programs. Over the years, Martin enjoyed traveling to all the provinces of Canada including the Maritimes; his first big trip was to Expo in Montreal in 1967. His adventures took him to many states in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. He also enjoyed a Bahama Cruise where he happened to visit St. Martin on his birthday.

Martin was always a willing volunteer and would lend a hand to family or friends to help with whatever was needed. As a volunteer, he donated his time to many Boards and positions such as; United Church Trustee, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Killdeer School Board, Rockglen Rink Board, Killdeer Coop and Hockey Coach.

Martin and Vera retired from farming in 1996, moving to Assiniboia where they lived until 2016. They made many new friends and continued to enjoy life. They moved to Saskatoon on June 30th due to health and to be closer to more family.

Martin is survived by his wife - Vera Nagel; children - Valerie (Meryl - deceased) Wanner, Florence (Glen) Bzdel, Tracy (Blair) Zopf and Carter Nagel (Christina Clyde); 15 grandchildren - Stacey Wanner, Dawn Wanner (James Atkinson), Laura Wanner (Avery Deobold), Jennifer (Bryce) Lutze, Erin Bzdel (Tom Hobbs), Sarah (Mathew) Bernauer, Amie Zopf, Adam Zopf (Jessica Jordan), Jordan (Tatiana) Nagel, Morgan Nagel (Miranda Rosin), Reagan Nagel, Madison Nagel, Kyle Duncan, Noelle Duncan, Kelly Duncan; 14 great-grandchildren - Jonathan Kozminski, Alexis Kozminski, Marcus Wanner, James Atkinson Jr., Trystan Atkinson, Jackson Wanner, Jacey Lutze, Emilee Lutze, Beckett Lutze, Brody Hobbs, Brooklyn Hobbs, Quinn Bernauer, Kali Bernauer, Sophia Nagel; daughter-in-law - Tammie Nagel; sisters - Linda (Ernie - deceased) Hannah and Lyda (Bill - deceased) Rodgers; his brother’s wife - Ramona (Ernest -deceased) Nagel; in-laws - (Grant - deceased) Florence Ching, (Leonard - deceased) Joyce Ching, (Harry - deceased) Laura Ching, (Ivan - deceased) Marlene Ching, Judy (Tony) Connors and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martin is predeceased by his father - Ernest Nagel, mother - Lydia Nagel; siblings - Fred (Mary) Nagel, Adelina (Art) Hofer, Elsa (Ben) White, Emelia (Morton) Shunamon, Louis (Shirley) Nagel, Deana (John) Monea, Rosa (Bob) Walker, Hermina (John) Cole, Martha (Stu) Ballie; grandchildren - Shannon Wanner, Christopher Bzdel; in-laws - Willie (Adeline) Ching, Floraine (Bud) Edwards, Gordon (Alice) Ching, Clarence (Caroline) Ching, Rita (Al) Rosenquist, Verna (Art) Davey.

Due to the current health situation, a private Funeral Service for immediate family with Reverend Marilyn Leuty officiating will be held at 11:00 am, CST Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Acadia McKague’s Funeral Chapel in Saskatoon. To view the ceremony via live stream, please visit: www.faithproductions.ca/livestream. Interment to be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK and Acadia McKague’s Funeral Center, Saskatoon, SK.