Anita Mae (Markusen) Nagel

Anita Mae Nagel, age 89, of Two Rivers passed away Friday, September 5, 2025, at her residence, one day before her 90th birthday.

Anita was born on September 6, 1935, in her grandparents’ home in the town of Riverview, Oconto County, Wisconsin. She is the daughter of the late Selmer and Esther (Elbe) Markusen. In 1950, the family moved to Two Rivers and Anita started her freshman class at Washington High School. She graduated with the class of 1954 and began her career at US bank (then known as the “White Bank”). She retired in 1998 after 44 years at the same location. She enjoyed talking with all her customers and surprised them by remembering many of their birthdays.

On September 19, 1959, she was united in marriage to John Nagel by Pastor Theodore F. Stern at Our Savior Lutheran Church, due to remodeling at St. John’s Lutheran Church, where they were members. They were married for almost 66 years and were blessed with two children. Anita and John were regular “Thursday nighters” at weekly services and attended many bible study groups together. In her younger years, Anita was a Girl Pioneers leader, church greeter, ladies group member, and 150th anniversary committee member. Anita was a member of St. John’s church for 75 years and her faith was the cornerstone of her life.

Some of Anita’s fondest memories were spending weekends at “the cabin” up north with her parents, John, and their two children, Mark and Catherine. They enjoyed hiking, swimming, berry picking, bear watching at the dump, visiting relatives, and enjoying all that the Northwoods had to offer.  After retirement, Anita and John enjoyed many vacations to National Parks, including Yellowstone, Glacier, Alberta’s Banff, Lake Louise, Rocky Mountain, Grand Canyon, and more.

Anita enjoyed all animals from a very young age. She loved to collect cow memorabilia and had quite a collection. She even named her black and white cat Moo. She loved to grow flowers. Pansies were her favorite. She also enjoyed going to flea markets and rummage sales. She had a love for photography and treasured taking pictures of nature and especially her grandchildren. She was a loving mother and grandmother, always there to help her kids.

Survivors include her husband, John Wm. Nagel; son and daughter-in-law Mark & Jayne (Dhein) Nagel of Manitowoc; daughter Catherine & Terry Schmitt of Manitowoc; five grandchildren: Halle Nagel, Nicholas Nagel, Rachel (Joseph) Nickels, Matthew Schmitt, Jacob (Cheyenne) Schmitt; along with 5 great grandchildren: Hannah, Logan, and Emma Nickels and Lincoln and Eleanor Schmitt.  She is further survived by sister-in-law Patti Markusen and former sister-in-law Darlene Konop, nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Selmer and Esther (Elbe) Markusen, in-laws Emil and Rose (Hippert) Nagel, brothers Richard and Wayne Markusen of Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 12, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Two Rivers. Officiating will be the Rev. David Arndt with burial to take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers following the service.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday, September 12th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. The funeral will be livestreamed at the St. John's, Two Rivers WI Facebook page.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com . The family requests that any memorials be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Two Rivers.

The family would like to thank the Sharon Richardson Community Hospice team, especially Crystal, Kellie, and Rachel for their compassionate care.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Klein & Stangel location, is assisting the Nagel Family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anita Mae (Markusen) Nagel, please visit our floral store.