David Clyde Naegele

David Clyde Naegele, of Pocatello, Idaho, age 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on July 14, 2024. He was a beloved father, grandfather, friend, and proud member of the Veterans organization, American Legion Post 88. He is greatly missed by all.

He was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on January 8, 1948, to Wilmar and Grace (Barge) Naegele. He received his high school diploma from Bridgeport Community High School in 1966. Everyone that knew Dave knows that his youthful days were filled with good natured mischief; from drag racing (and rolling) muscle cars with the “guys he used to run with” to spirited shenanigans with his dear cousin Al. Dave was a prankster through and through. Many of these capers featured him as the guilty party even though he would adamantly deny that he was in the wrong. In his later years, one of his favorite pastimes was sharing stories of his antics and spirited youth, reliving those glory days once again. The mischievous glint in his eyes remained all the years of his life.

Dave joined the United States Army Aviation in 1968 and served in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division. He was a UH-1 Huey Crew Chief and left Vietnam as an E5 Sergeant. Throughout his life, Vietnam Veterans held a special place in his heart. He was immensely proud of his time served in the Army and was a true patriot to the core. Dave traveled the world during his years in the Army; from Spain to Turkey to Thailand and everywhere in between. Not many people can say that they’ve swam in the South China Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Tasman Sea, but Dave could. He’s traveled to more countries and far off places than most people can only dream of.

While serving in the Army Dave met Margaret Ann Zeh in Germany in the fall of 1970 at the Rhein Main Air Force Base near Frankfurt. Margaret was working as a waitress in the NCO Club at the base and in her words “besides being really cute, he was a good tipper! For some reason he always made sure to sit in her section. Dave eventually returned to the states and Margaret followed shortly thereafter which would mark the beginning of a 17 year marriage. From this marriage 5 children were born, Julie, Rick, Mathew, Paula, and Kevin.

All of his children looked up to him and considered him a hero, especially his eldest son, Rick. Dave’s service and patriotism is the reason his son chose his career with the Army, and in Rick’s words “only on a better helicopter!” (Blackhawk). From that point forward, father and son engaged in a friendly “Huey versus Blackhawk” argument that continued over the years.

Dave loved each of his children immensely and was proud of all of them no matter what. He was a larger than life father who seemed to be 10 foot tall and bulletproof. He was a stoic man of great integrity who operated with a sure and strong moral compass. He was a man who would give anyone in need the shirt off his back. During the last months of his life, he spoke of nothing but each of his children. He wanted to ensure each of them knew how very much he loved them.

Dave enjoyed living in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, for the past 30 years with the many friends he made there. If you were looking for Dave on a Friday night you could always find him at Lava Lions Bingo with his friends playing and laughing, and likely involved in sort of mischief. He considered Lava his home and loved living there until he recently had to make the difficult decision to move to Pocatello due to his declining health to be nearer to his daughter, Paula.

Dave is survived by his children Paula Naegele (Rick Stinger), Pocatello, Idaho; Matt (Jeni) Naegele, Pocatello, Idaho; Kevin Naegele, Pocatello, Idaho; and Rick Naegele, Wayland, Michigan. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren and his first great grandchild who will bless our family with her arrival in December.

 Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmar and Grace Naegele (2011); sister, Marsha Bronz (1998); cousin and best childhood friend, Allan (Al) Naegele (2023); and his beloved daughter Julie Anne Naegele who passed away in 1979 at the tender age of 5. Without a doubt, there was a glorious reunion at his homecoming!

Our beloved father did not want a service or “big to-do” after he passed. In fact, more than once he had my eyes rolling when he said “just toss me out in the backyard.” Honoring our father’s wishes, cremation will take place. Military honors and flag ceremony will be presented by the American Legion Post 88 at the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 10 AM.

Our father’s final resting place will be beside his beloved daughter, Julie Anne, at the Eastlawn Memorial Garden in Saginaw, Michigan. He will be laid to rest preceded by military honors presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The date and time of his final place of interment will be updated here as information becomes available.

They say there are no goodbyes in the Army, so it’s “See you soon, Dad”. Godspeed

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