When Family Leaves Too Soon

Photo copied from Facebook

Dewey Nagel died in a car accident yesterday.

Dewey’s mom, Betty, was my dad’s only sister. Dad loved her fiercely. That love translated into spending more time with Betty than with his other siblings—which meant our families were close, and we spent a lot of time with the Nagels growing up.

Dewey was the oldest of Betty (Karnes) and Wilbert “Red” Nagel’s five children: Dewey, Mike, Rusty, Susie, and Mary.

Two years ago, during our road trip across the country, Joe and I had the chance to visit Dewey, Mike, and Rusty at Dewey’s home in Defiance, Ohio. It was a highlight of our trip. Here’s what I wrote on June 21, 2022:

"Today we met up with the oldest three (of Betty and Red’s children), Dewey (Denny when we were kids), Mike, and Rusty in their hometown of Defiance, Ohio. We haven’t been able to connect with their two sisters on this trip.

Oh my gosh! Joe and I enjoyed our visit with them as we shared memories and caught up on our lives. Dewey and Mike are now retired. Rusty is working third shift at a food processing plant, after many years as a carpenter until the company he worked for closed when the owner retired.

All three of the guys cook—something they have in common with Joe.

One of the best parts of the visit was how much we laughed… and laughed… and laughed. I had forgotten how much our two families laughed when we were together. I am so grateful for my cousins."

And now, that laughter is heartbreakingly quiet.

Dewey, 67, died at the scene of a crash in Defiance on Memorial Day. According to the Toledo Blade:

Around 11:25 a.m., a pickup truck driven by Mark Riebesehl, 58, of Defiance, went left of center on State Rt. 15 and collided head-on with Dewey’s SUV. Dewey was wearing a seatbelt but did not survive.

Mr. Riebesehl and his passenger, Avery Calhoun, 22, both sustained serious injuries. Alcohol and drug impairment are suspected, and the crash remains under investigation.

Full article here.

My heart breaks for Dewey’s family, his friends, and all of us who knew and loved him. He was a kind, warm, funny man whose laughter filled a room—and whose absence leaves it too quiet now.