Obituary of Gary R. Nagle

Gary Raymond Nagle passed away May 11, 2023 in Iowa City.  He was 73 years old.

Gary was born May 4^th, 1950 in Fort Dix, New Jersey, the son of Raymond and Vivian (Reim) Nagle. In support of his father’s Air Force career Gary traveled the world with his family living in England, France, Maine, Missouri, and Colorado where all his siblings still live. These early experiences sparked Gary’s enjoyment of traveling as he was able to revisit many of these destinations later in life with his wife and kids. As a teenager his family moved to Belton, Missouri where Gary graduated from high school. Following high school Gary was passionate about becoming an Architect and attended Iowa State University. Gary became a licensed Architect and practiced in Dubuque and Iowa City, Iowa finishing his successful career at the University of Iowa Design and Construction Department.  Gary was proud of many of his projects. He often spoke of the Dental School Simulation Lab, Old Capitol Dome Restoration, and Carver Hawkeye Arena projects.  Gary later retired at the age of 60, becoming a full-time Grandpa.

When not working and during retirement, Gary and Jeanie enjoyed diving into the boating world with the purchase of their first boat in 2010.  Gary loved to go on boat rides with family and kept the boat at the local marina for anyone in the family to use (only after completing rigorous lessons in Gary Boating School).  Gary taught all three of his sons how to golf at Farview Golf Course in Iowa City. Gary’s sons think fondly of those rounds of golf with him and the quality time they spent together.  Gary had an acute attention to detail which really showed itself in his other hobby – precision shooting, earning the accolade of becoming a runner up for the 1968 Olympic team. Gary had a deep love for live music. Gary and his dear wife Jeanie would often attend Friday night jazz concerts in the Iowa City Ped Mall.  More than anything, Gary loved his family. Much of Gary’s time was spent with his large family or planning fun events for new ways to spend more time together, including multiple weeklong family gatherings across the Midwest. One extravagant event Gary planned was a Europe trip for Jeanie and her two children, which all three of them are still so grateful for today.  Gary’s passing leaves an emptiness in our lives, but his memory and legacy are carried through all who love him.

Gary’s family include his beloved wife of 20 years, Jeanie; children, Corey Nagle, Brian (Sarah) Nagle, Eric (Taylor) Nagle, Travis (Kayla) Martin, and Emilia (Bradley) Deem; grandchildren, Elora Nagle, Joslyn Nagle, Lakyn Nagle, Carter Hand, Alice Martin, Calvin Martin, Kristinia Deem, Adelyn Deem and Hailey Deem; siblings, Donna Nagle, Robert Nagle, Scott Nagle and Renee Nagle; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Sadly, Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Vivian.

Gary’s family will receive guests for visitation at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service (2720 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City) on Monday, May 15^th, from 4-7 pm.

A funeral service for Gary will be held on Tuesday, May 16^th, 10 am at First Presbyterian Church (2701 Rochester Ave., Iowa City) followed by a burial at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Community Food Bank.

Please continue to keep Gary’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.