Thursday, April 5, 2012

Matt Nagel Obituary



HURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012 7:14 AM, CDT

Matthew Robert Nagel, age 35, beloved son, husband and father, went home to the Lord April 4, 2012 at KU Medical Center after suffering a stroke.   He passed peacefully from the arms of his love to the arms of his Savior.

Matt was born January 12, 1977 in Kansas City, MO to Brian and Vicki Nagel of Spring Hill, KS. He graduated from Kansas City Christian High School and later from Kansas State University.  He worked in church ministry, construction management and most recently in non-profit community development at The Hope Center, as Director of Operations.   In addition to cheering on the Wildcats, he enjoyed spending time outdoors in Colorado, and taking care of his precious girls. 

He is survived by his bride of nearly 10 years, Molly Heintzelman Nagel, their daughter Harper, his parents, his brother Mark and family, and his treasured extended family and countless devoted friends.  They will miss his tender heart, fierce devotion, buoyant smile and contagious, steady faith. 

A memorial service to celebrate Matt’s life will be held April 5, 2012 at 4pm at Heartland Community Church,12175 S. Strangline Rd, Olathe, KS  66062.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to The Hope Center – www.hopecenterkc.org  - (816) 931-6290.   

Information on how to contribute to a memorial fund will be available at the service and subsequently on CaringBridge and on this blog.

Arr.: Signature Funerals; honoring life; honoring death. (816) 214-5174   www.signaturefunerals.com

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was beautifully written, a greaty way to honor Matt. You will have prayers joining you from Wichita today and beyond, for peace and comfort, and healing. I am so sorry for your loss, Molly. Words can't begin to express, minds can't even hope to try to understand what you're going through. Just know that you have many, many prayers headed your way. May Christ truly bring you the peace that transcends all of the pain.

Michael and Amy O'Crowley
(friends of Danielle Holtzman)

Mira's mom said...

Molly and family, I have been following your story for well over a year now and God has been faithful to bring to you mind often. I was shocked to hear that God was taking you down another difficult road of learning to lean on Him and trust in His goodness. My prayers for you over the last few days have not ceased. My heart is mourning with you over the loss of Matt and yet rejoicing with you knowing he is reunited with the Father.

Two years ago my older sister,31 died suddenly and a verse that has brought me much comfort is Corinthians 15:49-58

And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. ”“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Molly my heart is breaking for you. I cannot imagine the pain. But, know that you are loved by Our Heavenly Father and you are loved by so many others. You have been a true example of what it is to trust the Lord. I have never met you, but God has taught me so much through your obedience and submissive attitude. May God comfort and bless you.

Mira's mom said...

Molly and family, I have been following your story for well over a year now and God has been faithful to bring to you mind often. I was shocked to hear that God was taking you down another difficult road of learning to lean on Him and trust in His goodness. My prayers for you over the last few days have not ceased. My heart is mourning with you over the loss of Matt and yet rejoicing with you knowing he is reunited with the Father.

Two years ago my older sister,31 died suddenly and a verse that has brought me much comfort is Corinthians 15:49-58

And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. ”“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Molly my heart is breaking for you. I cannot imagine the pain. But, know that you are loved by Our Heavenly Father and you are loved by so many others. You have been a true example of what it is to trust the Lord. I have never met you, but God has taught me so much through your obedience and submissive attitude. May God comfort and bless you.

annieglan said...

Oh Molly. I found your blog today, and I am so sorry. I can't imagine what you are going through. Please know we are praying for you and Harper.

SharonKorandaMa said...

Dear Nagel family,

I have followed your story from China, where we now live, and my heart grieves with yours at Matt's passing. I am praying for peace and comfort for you all in this time. Blessings.

remembering such great memories of your wonderful family!

Sharon Koranda Ma

Erica said...

Continuing to pray for you and Harper, Molly! I think about you so often throughout the day!

Jon Ryan and Christy said...

Hi there. I'm a friend of Katherine and Marks, in California. Because of them I have been following/praying through your blog posts for some time. I've grown to love your family and am deeply grieved for you and Harper at your loss of your precious husband and father. I am praying for you continually and so want to hug you guys (would be weird since you don't know me though). And the best way I can is through prayer and sharing a verse that brings me much comfort in sharing with my kids about their birth Mama in heaven.
"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I have been fully known. 1 cor 13:12
I know you know Matt is with Jesus face to face and that is greatest comfort you could ever receive in such grief and sorrow. We love you and will continue to hold you in our prayers.

justjen said...

Found your blog through On Loan From Heaven, and just had to let you know I am praying for you with all my strength today.

Sandy Kane said...

Molly,
I'm a friend of Melissa Newcome. I saw Matt's caring bridge site on her facebook page last week and later found your blog. I cannot even begin to imagine all the pain and suffering you, Harper, and your family have been through in the last couple years. I've been praying for you all since I first heard of Matt's condition and eventual passing last week. I cannot get you out of my mind. My heart hurts for you. May you feel God's love during this difficult and very sad time. May the peace of Christ be with you and Harper. Praying for you to stay strong in body, mind, and spirit during this time of grief. Also praying that you get rest...as I can only imagine how hard it must be to get sleep these days. I will continue to pray you.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Sandy from Minnesota

Vanessa said...

Molly and Harper,

Although you don't know who I am, I have been following your blog since the loss of your sweet Waverly. You see, I too am a fellow adoptive mama, and I wept with you when she was no longer with you.

And now, my heart breaks for you. Words cannot begin to describe how sad I was to come check on your blog and see that you lost the love of your life, and an incredible father. I am so, so sorry. Those words don't do justice at all! :(

I'm lifting you up in prayer. I pray that the God who is wrapping His strong loving arms around Matt right now, is wrapping His arms around both of you. Surrounding you with His love and His peace.

Love to you and know that I will continue to pray for you always.

Linnea said...

Thinking of you today.

Blessings,

Ashlee
http://continuingourjourney.blogspot.com/