Robert G. Nagel, 84, of Austin, Minn., died Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Austin.

Robert George Nagel was born Sept. 5, 1928, at Belvidere, Ill., to Ernest and Ella (Gerdes) Nagel. He graduated from Austin High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He later married Orinne Elford.

Bob was a highly skilled brick and block mason. He was a perfectionist in all he did, from his masonry jobs to the maintenance on his home. As a young man, he enjoyed cars, and always an artist, he was continually drawing or wood carving an amusing caricature, scene or portrait. Around 1980, with the encouragement from his wife, Orinne, he began a successful career as a wildlife artist. Bob worked long hours studying anatomy and colors of the duck and bird species he created. He won numerous “Best of Show” awards at world championship competitions. Later, he created and decorated carousel horses which were very happy moments for him. While creating his art, he was inspired by many types of music including country, gospel and classical. We are grateful he had the opportunity to use his great talent and leave behind beautiful creations and memories.

He was an extraordinarily devoted family man, who was compassionate, kind and humble. He kept his family laughing with his lighter-side of life comments and puns. Bob will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the St. Mark’s staff who lovingly cared for him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob is survived by his wife, Orinne Nagel, Austin, Minn.; son and daughter-in-law, James and Jan Nagel, North Richland Hills, Texas; daughters, Brenda Sterner, Rosemount, Minn., and Lori Nagel, Rosemount; grandchildren June, Meeseon, Nathan, Jeanette, Joleen, Julie and Natalie; great-grandchildren, Mariah and Cadance; granddog Smokey; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Gillson, Austin, Phyllis and Gaylen Lastine, Austin; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 6 at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Marilee Benson officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and at the church Wednesday morning for one hour before the service. Memorials may be designated to First United Methodist Church, the American Diabetes Association or to the donor’s choice.