Marilyn Nagel

Marilyn Althea "Sarge" Nagel, 81, of Cleveland, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Bradley Medical Center, in Cleveland, TN. Prior to the hospital visit that afternoon, she had attended morning activities at her Charter residence and Worship Services - each surrounded by loving friends.

Marilyn was born on April 14, 1943, in Evans, Erie County, NY to Caroline [Schumacher] and Merle Nagel. She grew up in the Evans and Springville communities near Buffalo, NY. She graduated from Springville - Griffith Institute of NY.

She had a military career of 23 years, across three branches of the US Armed Services: Air Force, Army, and Marines. Outside of active service, she worked as a machinist. Marilyn worked in textile manufacturing at the Kazoo Factory (Eden, NY) and in toy production at the Fisher Price Factory (East Aurora, NY). Later in life, she contracted with Bradley County Schools (Cleveland, TN) as an owner/operator of School Buses.

She was preceded in death by her parents Merle and Caroline Nagel, and one brother Douglas Nagel, all of Springville, NY.

Marilyn is survived by two brothers: George (Laura) Nagel of Clintonville, WI, and David Nagel of Rushford, NY; and by two sisters: Dorothy Scheffer of Eden, NY, and Joyce (Gerald) Jones of Old Fort, TN. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, friends, and fellow veterans. Marilyn has always felt the presence and love of her adopted families at "Charter Assisted Living" and "Mt. Zion Methodist Church."

Marilyn lived in Bradley County for the second half of her life. She was active in her community and a member of the Mt. Zion Methodist Church of Cleveland. There she would serve alternately as a Church Officer, Board Member, Lay Leader, and Sunday School Teacher.

She volunteered with (and was often a spokesperson for) several veterans' groups, including: AmVets of Cleveland (Post # 13), American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (Greater Chattanooga Chapter), Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. (Magnolia Chapter), Marine Corp League of Chattanooga (Detachment # 518), and Rolling Thunder, Inc. of East Ridge, TN (Chapter # 2). (Rolling Thunder continues to raise awareness of military POWs' and MIAs')

Marilyn supported community initiatives such as placing Easter Crosses and Christmas Wreaths at the cemeteries. Proudly she would support Veterans Events in the area. She also participated in honor guard units and other supportive roles on behalf of veterans' families. Marilyn was awarded the 2019 Bill Norwood Service Award for Veterans - for outstanding area support for Veteran and Armed Service Groups. An honor well deserved and one that she cherished. In her leisure, she was an avid reader, pet caretaker, and wildlife observer. Marilyn was respected by those who knew her and she will be missed. Rest in peace - good soldier!

The family wishes to thank all those that assisted Marilyn through her "health-challenged" times, especially the management and staff of Charter Assisted Living, Bradley Medical Center, and Physician Dr. Tammy Wingo. The family appreciates the spiritual care given by the pastor and congregation of the Mt. Zion Methodist Church of Cleveland. Thanks, also, goes to the staff of Companion Funeral Home.

Mt Zion Methodist Church, located at 7223 Georgetown Rd (Hwy 60W), Cleveland, TN will welcome guests on Saturday, February 8, 2025. A Reception will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by Military Honors and Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 pm. Per Marilyn's request, there will be no Interment Service, as her cremains will remain with family members.