Rosalee Mae Nagele

1931 - 2025

Rosalee Mae Nagele

March 9, 1931 - March 10, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rosalee Mae Nagele at the age of 94 in Lincoln, Nebraska, on March 10, 2025. She was born in Minden, Nebraska, on March 9, 1931, to Edward and Cleo Olsen. Her brother, Russell was born three years later. Rosalee grew up on a farm and attended a one room rural school through grade 6. She then attended school in Axtell, Nebraska from 7th to 9th grade. As a sophomore she transferred to Minden High School. Her college years began at Nebraska Wesleyan University. After receiving a two years teaching certificate, she was offered a 3rd grade teaching position in Minden, Nebraska. The following year, she continued her studies in Elementary Education and attended the University of Nebraska all while teaching Kindergarten in Lincoln.

Following graduation from UNL, she married James Richard Nagele on July 11, 1953. The two of them enjoyed many adventures together. Her husband "Dick" passed away on September 8, 1986. They resided in Minden, Axtell and Odessa, Nebraska, areas. Her sons Marc and Kim were born in 1955 and 1956. In addition to being a stay-at-home mom, she attended the University of Nebraska in Kearney, Nebraska, to complete her Master's Degree in Education.

After moving to Lincoln Nebraska in 1961, she began teaching 1st grade at Belmont Elementary. She retired after 35 years as a teacher.

Rosalee has been a faithful member of St. Marks United Methodist Church since 1961. She loved greeting members as they arrived for Sunday morning services as an usher. She was a 50+ year member of the T.T.T. Society. She served many years as a camp chair, sending young girls to summer camp. Other organizations include Delta Zeta Sorority (75 yr Diamond member), P.E.O, Thursday Morning Lecture Group, Lincoln Education Association, State Education Association, National Education Association, National Education Foundation, and Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel.

Rosalee was an avid Cornhusker football fan, having attended nearly every home game since 1962 in the same seat! Go Big Red was her mantra.

Rosalee was devoted to her family. She cherished spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. She enjoyed many friendships which she cultivated and grew across her lifetime. She loved to travel, knit and crochet and was a member of several Bridge groups.

Rosalee is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Cleo Olsen; husband, James Richard (Dick) Nagele; and grandson, Austin Nagele. She is survived by her son, Marc Nagele and wife, Nancy of Bartlesville, OK, son, Kim Nagele of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: Dana Kramer and husband, Tim of Woodland Park, CO, Ryan Nagele and wife, Maria of Katy, TX, Adam Nagele and wife Monica of Crawfordsville, IN; brother, Russell Olsen and wife, Carolyn of Minden, NE; as well as nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 'O' St. on Sunday, March 16th, 1 to 3 p.m. The interment will be held in the Minden, NE, Cemetery on Monday, March 17th at 2 p.m.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd. on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The Rosalee M. Nagele Elementary Education Scholarship Fund (University of Nebraska) or to St. Marks United Methodist Church. Make checks payable to the Rosalee Nagele Trust, 2640 N. 58th St., Lincoln, NE 69507.

Condolences online at Roperandsons.com.