Eugene F. “Gene” Nagel 68, died at his home in Oak Harbor on Nov. 23, 2006. He was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Nov. 2, 1938 to Fred W. and Marie (Hoeksma) Nagel.

Eugene was born and raised in Kalamazoo on the family gladiola farm. Following high school, Gene attended Calvin College for two years. He returned to the farm and began a career as a machinist, building all of the farm machinery and mechanizing the farm operation. He was married to Maryann Rientjes in Kalamazoo on June 16, 1960.

In 1985, Gene and Maryann moved to Oak Harbor. They, along with their two sons, began Whidbey Welding and Machine, Inc. in Oak Harbor. The company grew and became Washington Iron Works, a structural steel company.

Gene enjoyed fishing, music, his family and his love for his Lord. His faith in God was very strong.

Gene is survived by his wife Maryann at the family home, Oak Harbor; by five children, Dawn Lynne VanDyk and husband Rob of Oak Harbor; Michael F. Nagel and wife Tammie of Oak Harbor; Linda Kay Haas and husband the Rev. John Haas of Kalamazoo; Beth Ann Bodin and husband Palmer of Snohomish; and Steven J. Nagel and wife Jamie of Anacortes.

Also surviving Gene is one brother, Alvin Nagel (Paula) of Kalamazoo; and three sisters, Sharon Veltkamp (Lee) of Kalamazoo, Kathy Terpstra (Jim) of Denver, and Marilyn Keil (David) of Shipshewana, Ind.; and 14 grandchildren, Gerrit, Sara, Laura, Wyatt, Corey, Rebekah, Heidi, Rachel, Ana, Micah, Isaac, David, Caleb and Jacob.

Memorial services were held Nov. 28 at the First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor with Pastor Jon Brown officiating. Private family graveside services were held at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Pallbearers were Steven Nagel, Gerrit Nagel, Mike Nagel, Lee Veltkamp, Rob VanDyk and Palmer Bodin. A reception for family and friends followed at the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to the North Whidbey Christian High School. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.