Lawrence Anthony Nagel

Lawrence Anthony “Tony” Nagel, 91, of Rensselaer, IN passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Brookdale Senior Living in Carmel, IN. He was born in Rensselaer on September 21, 1934, son of Bernard and Frances (Schmidt) Nagel. He was a 1953 graduate of Rensselaer High School.

On October 15, 1955 he married his beloved wife of 67 years, Roseanne Marie Valade. Together they had seven children. She preceded him in death on May 7, 2023.

Tony was an electrician for IBEW Local #531. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Along with his electrical expertise, he dabbled in mechanics, filling many garages with his projects.

Tony loved the outdoors, being on his “farm” and tending to his three-acre garden. He adored his animals, which included several German Shepherds and multiple barn cats over the years. He liked old cars and farm machinery, and was a member of the Jasper County Retired Iron Club. Tony’s other interests included playing guitar and piano. He also enjoyed playing games and cards. His family fondly remembers playing euchre with him on holidays, and Tony always made up his own rules.

Tony is survived by his 7 children: Teresa (Bruce) Muir of Troy, OH, Janie (Jim) Pohlman of Sidney, OH, Betsy (Mark) Gersten of Copley, OH, Chris (Cindi) Nagel of Wheatfield, IN, Caroline Guenther of Green Valley, AZ, Heidi (Mark) Jordan of Rensselaer, IN and Gretchen (Chris) Keeslar of Brownsburg, IN; 14 grandchildren: Beth (Scott) Muir-Kaster, Michelle (Kyle) Muir, Andy (Shireema) Pohlman, Amy Gersten, Nathan Nagel, Jessica Nagel, Patrick Guenther (fiancé: Bridget McBride), Erin (Andrew) Milkey, Parker Jordan, Taylor Jordan, Abby Jordan, Michael (Catie) Keeslar, Karl Keeslar and Ryan Keeslar; 7 great-grandchildren: Ashleigh Muir, Aubrey Muir, Monaco Pohlman, Atara Pohlman, Parker Milkey, Jordan Keeslar and Eli Keeslar. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Fran Valade of Rensselaer, IN and Pat Valade of Wheatfield, IN, and a brother-in-law, Fred (Penny) Valade of Farmington, NM.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Roseanne; his parents, Bernard and Frances Nagel; four brothers: Herman (Mary) Nagel; Al (Leta) Nagel, Paul (Dorothy) Nagel and Cletus (Annie) Nagel; one sister, Caroline (Don) Higer; and his brother-in-law, Bill Valade.

Visitation will held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. (CST) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer, beginning with a Rosary service at 9 a.m. A funeral Mass will follow at noon at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joshua Bennett and Father Rick Nagel officiating. Burial will then follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Augustine Catholic School or St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.