David L. Nagel

David Leslie Nagel was born on March 19, 1941 to Orville and Elnora Nagel in Ames, Iowa. He was welcomed home to the Lord on December 4, 2023. As the oldest of four children on a busy family homestead near Dallas Center, Dave spent his early life developing qualities that would grow to be the core of his character: an unparalleled work ethic, commitment to lifelong learning, and an abiding love for family. Dave graduated from Minburn Community High School in 1959 as the president of his class.

As he studied his way to a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science at Iowa State University, he also began working for Brenton Bank, where he would serve the Des Moines community for several decades. During his 50+-year tenure in the banking industry, Dave fostered numerous local businesses. A drive through the heart of Des Moines today takes one past many examples of Dave's investment in his community.

Dave's alma mater brought great meaning and purpose to this chapter of his life in more than just his career. Iowa State was where Dave found his band of brothers in the Gamma Pi chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. An active member and chapter leader during his undergraduate days, it is no surprise that Dave maintained his strong bond with his fraternity by acting as a chapter advisor, and later, serving as the International President of Delta Tau Delta from 1990 to 1992. During this time, Dave visited every chapter of Delta Tau Delta in the country and in the process, touched countless lives with his grace, diligence, and wisdom. Having two grandsons join the ranks of the Delta Tau Delta brotherhood in Gamma Pi was a point of great pride in Dave's later life. In addition to his involvement in many civic organizations, Dave was very proud of his 40+ years of perfect attendance with the Northwest Rotary Club of Des Moines.

As immense was Dave's contribution to his profession, community, and alma mater, his greatest legacy is left in his family. A devoted father to his two daughters, Mara and Tiffany, Dave took great care to pass on his deeply held values of integrity, civic-mindedness, and of course, appreciation of excellent poetry. Having married the love of his life in 1984, Dave and Carolyn built a full and beautiful life of service to their community and quality time with their daughters and grandchildren. Dave could always be found in the stands of any grandchild's game, recital, or graduation, his unmistakable clap echoing throughout the room. His presence here, and in his red chair in the family room in Door County, is where he will be missed the most.

Those who celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 39 years, Carolyn, his daughters Mara (Jed) Edler and Tiffany (John) Spinner, grandchildren Ava and Luke Spinner, Sam Edler, Betsy (Drew) Harris and great-grandson, Henry Harris, honorary Swedish son, Jan (Jenny) Brannmark, as well as sister Diane (Joe) Dollison, brothers Michael (Linda) Nagel and Gary (Gwendolyn) Nagel, many nieces and nephews. He will also certainly be missed by his beloved dog, Zoey. Dave will be remembered by innumerable fraternity brothers, professional colleagues, mentees, and friends who had the privilege of sharing the road with him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, or the Iowa State University Alumni Association.

Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Lutheran Church of Hope Chapel, West Des Moines. Family will receive guests beginning at 10:00 am. Memorial service at 11:00 am followed by luncheon.