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 3 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-9th grade. As a sophomore she transferred to Minden High School. Her college years began at Nebraska Wesleyan University. After receiving a 2-year 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 in1961she 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 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ St. on Sunday, March 16, 1:00-3:00 pm. The interment will be held in the Minden, NE Cemetery on Monday, March 17th at 2:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd. on Saturday, April 5, 11:00 am
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.
Services
Visitation
1:00 pm-3:00 pm CST
Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel
4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510
Interment
2:00 pm CST
Minden Cemetery
Minden, Nebraska
Celebration of Life
11:00 am CST
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
8550 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska
Share a Memory or Condolence
I didn’t know her personally but my mother did when she worked as a teacher’s aide with her at Belmont School. The only reason I recognized her name when I saw her obituary is because my mother spoke of her often and considered her a good friend, which tells me what a very kind and wonderful person she was. May she rest in peace.
– MK
Oh Kim, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to seeing Rosalee. When she walked through the door, her smile just lifted my day! In terms of the Husker sports, no one could have been a more faithful Cornhusker! I will certainly miss seeing her. Every time I hear the Husker Fight Song, I’ll think of Rosalee.
– Stephanie (Drake) Waite
Rosalee was a wonderful lady so full of life. She was involved with education, community service and her family. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Our prayers go out to Marc, Nancy, Kim and all the Nagele’s and extended family at this time of loss. Randy and Jeanne Derr
– Randy Derr
This is for Kim. So sorry for your loss. I remember you from my first year as a teacher at Mickle Jr. HS. I have fond memories of you and am sorry your mom has passed. I was your Spanish teacher (Sra. Byrd) but now my name is Susan Ptacek. I hope that your mom is in a better place and that you are well.
– Susan E. Ptacek
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