Charles Ernest Nagel of Sidney, Montana, passed away in Watford City, North Dakota, on October 2, 2026, after a brief illness.

Ernie was born on October 21, 1943, in Circle, Montana, to Charles and Bodil (Pederson) Nagel. He was the first son, joining four sisters, and grew up working on the family farm. He attended the country school near home and then high school in Circle, graduating in 1961.

Ernie married Montie Ann Yarger on August 22, 1964. From this union came three daughters: Niki, Bodil, and Shelly. Ernie worked for Gene Wood Ready Mix in Glendive, MT. In 1979, Ernie moved to Sidney, MT, and went to work for Continental Emsco, delivering parts and supplies to the oilfield.

In 1993, he married Diane Ward. With that marriage, he gained four stepchildren: Jeremie, Amber, Kristen, and Justin.

Ernie continued in the oil industry until he retired in 2020.

Ernie was an avid sports fan; he followed the Yankees and Utah Jazz. He had a lifelong love for rodeos. In his younger years, he rode saddle bronc and bareback horses in rodeo competitions. He played softball for many years in Glendive and Sidney, coached girls’ softball, and was also a district commissioner for the softball league. He played in basketball leagues, pool leagues, and later in life became a seasoned golfer.

Ernie had a love for the outdoors. He would take the family deer hunting in the fall and fishing at Fort Peck Lake in the spring/summer. They had a cabin at Rock Creek where family would gather. The pinocle games were legendary. Rumor has it that someone even ripped the cards in half after getting brutally beaten!

Ernie is survived by his daughters, Niki (Kevin) Junso, Bodil (Jay) Lanius, Shelly Frank; stepchildren, Jeremie (Annie) Ward, Amber Sissel, Kristen (Adam) Sergeant; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Laurie VanDewerker; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bodil; sisters, Louise, Gladys, Mae, and Bobby; stepson, Justin Ward; and grandson, Tyler Junso.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Kristen Ward for taking Dad to his appointments and checking on him daily, but most of all for the love and kindness you showed him.