John K. Naegele, Jr.

John K. Naegele, Jr. Oct. 25, 1924 - Jan. 2, 2010 John K. Naegele, Jr., 85, of Farmington, passed away January 2, 2010. He was born Oct. 25, 1924 in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, to John Sr. and Alwina Naegele. For the past three years, John battled Alzheimer's and was a resident of Cedar Ridge Nursing Home at the time of his death. John loved talking about his younger days working in western Kansas. At the age of five, he was afflicted with polio, but few people knew of his disability, as he mastered driving semi-tractor trailer truck with the use of one hand. He was able to perform his work and daily activities as if he had two good arms. John and his wife Lois, together operated the Wheel Inn Caf�?©, north of Salina, KS. for many years. In 1973, they sold their business and moved to Sylvan Grove, KS. which had previously been their weekend getaway home. They soon became manager and secretary of the Farmers Elevator Co. Inc. where they again worked together until retirement. As employees of the Mid-America Nursing Home, they continued working on a part-time basis, once again being on the job together. John had a fulfilling life spending more than 30 years working different jobs, always with his wife Lois, as his partner. He also loved gardening, riding and breaking horses, raising livestock, enjoying his family and attending his sons and later, his granddaughters' athletic games. His parents, six siblings, and his wife Lois preceded John in death in 1996. Three siblings; Wendell Naegele, Saranac Lake, NY; Elaine Frazier, Centerville, AL; and Arnola (Nolie) Glazer, San Antonio, TX, survive him. He also leaves behind two sons John Naegele of Farmington, NM. and Earl Naegele of O'Fallon, MO.; step-daughter Carol Ryser of WA, and five grandchildren; Chelsey Naegele- Nelson and Kylie Naegele both of Farmington, NM. and Christopher, Benjamin and Claire Naegele of O'Fallon, MO. John will be remembered as a private man; an easygoing individual with a lesson to be taught. He believed in God, hard work and honesty. He will be terribly missed as a great human being, a father, grandfather, husband, son, brother and friend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove, KS., his church of choice for many years. Those wishing to share condolences with the family, may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. John has been entrusted to the care of Daniels Family Services, 804 N. Dustin Ave., Farmington, NM. (505) 326-3671.