Brad Nagel obituary

Brad L. Nagel, 57, of Red Wing, died Sunday, November 26, 2023 near his home. He was born March 21, 1966, in Rochester, to Gary and Cheryl (Engelhardt) Nagel. His family moved to Red Wing and as a young boy he was drawn to the outdoors – whether it was trapping, bow hunting or bicycling around on his newspaper route while being pulled by his dog, he loved just being outside. In 1984 he graduated from Red Wing Central High School and attended Northland College in Ashland, Wis., receiving a degree in outdoor education. His love for the outdoors became his career and he had worked several places as an instructor and educator, the Nanthala Outdoor Center in North Carolina being one of them, before he returned to the area.  In 1994, he married Martha Harris at Hok-Si-La Park and together they made their home (literally) outside of Red Wing and raised their daughters, Emily and Willa, and shared with them their love of nature and the outdoors. Brad worked in Lake City where he ran the Environmental Learning Program for four years before he was called back to the Red Wing ELC by Bruce Ause, to work as a field instructor.  Brad had a passion for many things a few of those being sailing, whitewater paddling, dog sledding and bow-hunting and he was a brilliantly creative craftsman. He was a member of the RW ELC, Wildlife League and the Frontenac Sportsman’s Club. As written by the RW ELC staff and Board of Directors, “Brad was not just a mentor but a guiding light to our students and staff, his presence shaping the very essence of our ELC family...let us remember Brad for the passion and dedication he poured into our lives. He remains a source of inspiration, guiding us through the memories and lessons he shared.”
Brad is survived by his wife, Martha Harris of Red Wing; two daughters, Emily (Brandon Parker) Nagel of Duluth and Willa Nagel of Havre, Mont.; mother, Cheryl Nagel of Red Wing; sister, Heather (Edward Ward) Nagel of Red Wing; two nieces, Casey and Lindsey Ward of Red Wing; and aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary, and his grandparents.
Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at the Church of St. Joseph with Rev. Wane Souhrada officiating. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Red Wing ELC or Mental Health MN https://mentalhealthmn.org.