Rudolph Anthony "Rudy" Nagel

1928 - 2023

Rudolph "Rudy" Anthony Nagel

April 18, 1928 - November 6, 2023

Sacramento, California - Rudolph "Rudy" Anthony Nagel, 95 years young, still proudly living in his own home, ready as always to greet the new day, suffered a massive cardiac event on the morning of November 6, 2023, and died within a few hours, loved ones at his side.

Born April 18, 1928, to George and Gertrude Nagel, in Bayard, Saskatchewan, Canada, on his family's farm, the 7th of 8 children. In 1950, Rudy married the love of his life, Marie Kammermayer, and moved to Ontario. Fifteen years and 4 daughters later, they moved to Sacramento, where they were blessed with their 5th daughter.

Rudy had an extremely strong work ethic and took on any task with a quiet determination and the expectation of success. The majority of his career was spent with General Motors as a Warranty Manager. Although he retired at 62, he continued working into his eighties for his family, neighbors and friends, painting, roofing, fencing - even cutting trees!

When not working, Rudy enjoyed dances and bridge with Marie as his partner, golf, pool, pinochle, rummy, and was highly competitive in cribbage and Scrabble until his final days. Always up for a road trip to visit family members, he also had a true passion for tending his yard and garden, and was especially proud of his tangerine tree's yearly bounty, "always the sweetest."

A member of the Knights of Columbus for nearly 63 years, the past 50 with Council #953, Sacramento, Rudy held many positions, including that of Grand Knight. He enjoyed taking part in all charitable endeavors and greatly appreciated the fellowship and life-long friendships forged.

The death of "his Marie," in 2017, after 67 years of marriage, broke Rudy's heart, yet he continued living life to the fullest. Left now to cherish his memories are daughters Donna Madjeski (Terry), Wendy Mills (Steve), Laurie de Vera (Julius), Nancy Nagel (Eugene Vaden), and Angela Glasgow (Josh). He was a devoted grandfather to Aaron, Lauren, and Jordan Mills, Aubree Carson, Gabriel and Isaac de Vera, Camryn and Hayden Glasgow, and great-grandchildren Madeline and Lincoln Mills. As the last surviving member of his family, he was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Jake, John, and Wes, and sisters Rose (Nestman), Mary, Elizabeth and Leona (Ficzere). He is survived by sister-in-laws, Margaret Nagel, Florence Pearpoint, Pat Henderson and Therese Kammermayer.

Rudy's motto was "Life is Good" and he lived and breathed it. His life was one of hard work, pride in accomplishments, joy in simple pleasures and, most importantly, love of family. Always ready to help and support, time spent with his family was valued above all else. He was a living testament to "in life, you get what you put in." And he gave it his all. He was joyful and playful and loving until the day he died and all who were fortunate to know him will miss him greatly.

We welcome friends to celebrate Rudy's life at St. Mary's Funeral Center Chapel, 6509 Fruitridge Road. Visitation at 5:00 pm, on Friday, November 24, followed by the recitation of the holy rosary and vigil at 6:00 pm. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the same location on November 25, at 10:00 am. Interment to follow.