Joseph V. Gagel

Joseph V. Gagel, aged 74, passed after a brief illness with family by his side on April 16, 2023. Joe was a resident of the Toledo area for almost 50 years and is remembered by his loving wife, Diane (VanSkiver) and daughters, Rachel (Matt Risler) and Mandy (Kevin Gallagher). He is also missed and remembered by his beloved granddaughters, Abby Risler, Katie Risler and Violet Gagel Gallagher, as well as his siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his family most of all in life and never missed a chance to tell them so.

Joe was born in Celina, Ohio, on September 30, 1948 and grew up in Maria Stein, Ohio. Joe married Diane on July 30, 1971 in Maria Stein. A graduate of Marion Local High School in 1966, he attended Miami University, graduating in 1970, and later earned a Master’s in Education from Bowling Green State University. A strong believer in the value of public education, he was a teacher, coach and administrator for over 40 years in the high schools of Rockford, Swanton, Bryan, Anthony Wayne, Rossford and Northwood. He was always ready to strike up a conversation, knowing no strangers, and would often run into someone he knew, even far from home. His friendships from both his work and pastimes were numerous and sincere.

In retirement, he extended his sense of public service through volunteering in various ways, most prominently for the Toledo Metroparks. He also enjoyed singing as part of the Toledo Opera’s community chorus. Music was an important part of his life, which he enjoyed sharing with his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Travel was also a favorite pastime, especially cruising with Diane.

In addition to his wife, daughters and granddaughters, he is survived by sisters Susan Salm, Barbara (Anthony) Tirone, Sarah Budde, Helen Gagel, and brother Fred (Sheila) Gagel. He was predeceased by his parents Vincent and Theresa (Goettemoeller) Gagel, brothers-in-law Robert Squires, Paul Budde and James Salm, sister-in-law Linda Gagel and nephew Jim Gagel.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 29, 2023, 1-3pm at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E South Boundary St, Perrysburg, OH 43551. The remembrance program will begin at 2 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, Joe’s wishes were that donations be made to the Toledo Metroparks (https://metroparkstoledo.com/get-involved/donate/), the Toledo Opera Society (https://www.toledoopera.org/support/donate/) and scholarship funds for local graduating public high school student (https://www.toledocf.org/scholarships/).

“Never forget the music!”