It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Ronald Owen Nagel, 77, on July 11, 2017.   Ron was born on June 12, 1940, in Reno, Nevada to Walter and Murle Nagel.  Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Wabuska where they bought a ranch and dairy on Farrell Lane, which was named after his Uncle Jim Farrell.

Ron attended all twelve grades in Yerington and graduated from Yerington High School in 1958.  Ron was involved in student government and served as student body and class president.  He was also Yerington's representative to Boys State. He was also active in state and local chapters of FFA.   Ron was a fine high school athlete lettering in football and basketball.  He then attended the University of Nevada, Reno where he was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.  He graduated with a degree in Ag Education.     He started teaching at Yerington High School in 1963.  Ron studied and received a Master's Degree from UNR in School Administration with a Minor in Guidance and Counseling.

During his time at YHS, he was very involved in FFA and had many wonderful memories of the activities he shared with his students.  Ron really believed that the curriculum taught in the FFA programs  could prepare young people in many facets of their lives. Besides the agricultural subjects, students learned many skills needed later in life, from household repairs to public speaking. He was an example of all that the program embodies.

During this time, Ron also served in the Army National Guard from 1956-1964.

After starting his teaching career in Yerington, he met Nancy Naumann and they were married on June 18, 1966.  Ron and Nancy soon welcomed two daughters, Tricia and Pam to complete the family.

In 1969, he accepted a position as Special Services Director for Lyon County Schools and worked under two of his former coaches, Tod Carlini and Craig Blackham. He greatly admired and respected these two mentors.  As Special Services Director, his duties included; Federal Programs, Vocational Education, Special Education, Adult Education, Transportation and Negotiations.  Twice he served as interim Superintendent during the selection process for new superintendents.  During his tenure as Associate Superintendent, he had personnel and finance duties.  He also supervised the building of new school facilities across the county.  In 1993, after 24 years of distinguished service in the school district office, Ron retired as Lyon County Superintendent of Schools.  After retirement, he served on the board of Directors for the American AgCredit from 1994 to 2006.  He also worked for Advanced Scientific Solutions, monitoring residual fuel from excavated tanks.

He also immediately took on other new jobs, hobbies, and traveling. Nancy soon became aware that "traveling" during retirement meant mainly to watch the seven grandchildren in their sporting endeavors..especially basketball.

Being a native Nevadan was as important to Ron as being a lifelong resident of Yerington, where he spent his professional career working and caring for the education of children in schools across Lyon County.

Ron was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church. He was a member of Walker River Basin Foundation as well as a long time member of the Yerington Rotary Club where he served as president and received many appreciation awards for his service over the years. He was also a 50 year member of Hope Lodge No. 22 F.&A.M where he served as Worshipful Master in 1971.

Throughout Ron's life he spent time with family and friends enjoying hunting, camping, fishing, waterskiing and the outdoors. His daughters participated in many activities and shared his love of basketball.  This kept Ron and Nancy busy traveling for games throughout this state that he loved so much.

Ron was well known for his willow and barn wood creations.  He donated many of these items for community fundraisers. He also enjoyed giving them away to family and friends.

Ron and Nancy celebrated 50 years of marriage last year with many friends and family. Ron is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters  Pam Nagel, Winnemucca, NV and Tricia Elquist (Joe), Elko, NV and seven wonderful grandchildren; Marissa, Garrett, Emily, Payton, Alexis, Dorsey and Derek.

A Mass will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 11:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 103 N. West Street in Yerington.  A graveside burial will be on July 20 at 10:00 am at Masonic Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 437 Stoker Ave. Reno, NV.

In lieu of flowers Ron and Nancy would appreciate donations be made to Yerington Rotary Scholarships P.O. Box 1502, Yerington NV 89447.

Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net , also sympathy cards may be sent to his wife, Nancy from this site.

Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911