Hans J. Nagel

March 25, 1919 - November 3, 2008
Hans J. Nagel

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Hans Nagel (89) left this earth on November 2, 2008. Born in Rothenburg, Germany, he and his late wife, Margo, immigrated to the United States in 1953. Arriving with fifty cents as their sole asset, he quickly found employment as an engineer in New York City, moving from there to Beloit, Wisconsin.

As an employee of the Beloit Corporation, he traveled the world supervising the installation of paper making equipment, living for extended periods in Italy, India and Hungary. From these locations, the couple traveled extensively, visiting all of the inhabited continents.

Drafted into the German army in 1939, Hans was quickly promoted to Lieutenant in the infantry and sent to Finland to fight against the Russians. As the war came to a close, Hans was transferred to Bavaria. At the end of the war, he became a driver and interpreter for the OSS, the forerunning of the CIA.

After moving to Hendersonville, Hans was drawn to the county library and the repair of books. His devotion to the library and his dry wit made him a favorite among the volunteers for more than ten years. During that time period he also developed as a metal sculptor and an artisan in stained glass.

He was preceded in death by Margo, his wife of sixty-two years. He is succeeded by his Sister, Inge Horeche, of Newmarkt, Germany.

Hans Nagel leaves a legacy of service, artistry and significant charitable giving.


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  • November 09, 2008
    Selena Coffey says:
    I met Hans through Margo and what a wonderful man and loving relationship they had! I was blessed to have met Hans.

  • November 09, 2008
    Cindy says:
    Hans and I were always trying to figure out how to do something particular on our PC's and usually came up with an answer between the two of us. We also had quite a few in-depth conversations on interesting topics. He will be missed

  • November 09, 2008
    Tammy Howard says:
    What can I say about Mr.Nagel he was a wonderful man who loved his wife, his stained glass, and going to the library to fix books that had been broken. Mr.Nagel, I will miss you and the way you used to get on to Tammy F. for moving your rugs, so we could vaccum. I hope I can achieve as much in life as you and Mrs.Nagel have, you both were truly a blessing to so many..God be with you always

  • November 10, 2008
    Trina Rushing says:
    I always looked forward to Hans stopping by my office at the library. He was such an interesting man with a wealth of knowledge and experience. I was truly blessed to have known him. He will be missed.

  • November 11, 2008
    Tina Stepp says:
    Hans, you will be missed. I will miss your smile and the funny little sayings you would tell me to make me laugh. The library staff will miss you.