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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