Willard V. Nagel was born June 12, 1926 in Staplehurst, Nebraska the son of John William August Peter Nagel and Elsa Emilia Amanda (Schomburg) Nagel and passed away in Seward, Nebraska on May 30, 2016 at the age of 89 years, 11 months, 18 days. Willard attended Staplehurst High School and then served in the U.S. Army from December 15, 1944 through November 17, 1946. Willard was united in marriage to Leanna A. Hinze on February 27, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church, Thayer, Nebraska. Their marriage was blessed with four children, David, Joyce, Bonnie and Nancy. Willard farmed from 1949 through 1989 in the Goehner area and was also an insurance agent with Farmers Insurance for 64 years. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Goehner, Beaver Crossing American Legion Post #178, 40 & 8, VFW—Lincoln and the Goehner Volunteer Fire Department (30 years).   Willard was a loving family man. As a couple, Willard and Leanna enjoyed playing cards and attending dances.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law, Michael Hofpar and Roger Hoppe; brothers-in-law, Denny Vopat and Kenny and Helen Hinze; nephew, Richard Vopat.

Survivors cherishing Willard's memory include his wife, Leanna Nagel, Seward; children and spouses, David and Marge Nagel, Goehner, Joyce Hoppe, Garden City, KS, Bonnie and Kevin Lee, Sparta, WI, Nancy and Layne Hans, Seward; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; brother, Cleon Nagel, Seward; sister-in-law, Lavina Nagel, Seward; sister-in-law, Elvera Vopat, Bristol, IL; other relatives and a host of friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of life shared with Willard.