Obituary of William Sherman Schagel

William Sherman Schagel Jr., age 82, of Tucson, AZ,  passed away on December 2, 2023 in Flagstaff, Arizona.

William “Bill Jr.” was born on May 5, 1941 in Twin Falls, Idaho to William Schagel Sr. and Letha Virgina Halverson. He was raised in northern Idaho and eastern Washington, settling in Kettle Falls, Washington. He attended Kettle Falls High School, graduating in the class of 1959. During his high school years, Bill was active in athletics and was a letter winner in football, basketball and golf. As a youth, and during high school, he worked with his father at several different sawmills in the area as that was the family business. 

On August 1, 1959, Bill enlisted in the Navy and three days later was shipped off to San Diego California for training. He was then assigned to the USS Midway and did a nine month Pacific tour. Upon his return, he was stationed on the USS Currituck out of San Francisco, California.

It was at this time while in the bay area, Bill met the love of his life, Mary, on a blind date in late 1961. He married Mary Louise Williams on March 28, 1962 in Santa Clara, California. They later went on to have five children.

After the Navy, Bill went into a career of law-enforcement. First in casino security, and then as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Highway Patrol Officer, Border Patrol Agent and then as a Special Agent Criminal Investigator. He was known as a great friend, co-worker, mentor and patriot. Along with 28 years of federal service he also did a cumulative 20 years, active duty military in the Navy, Air Force, and Army Reserves. Retiring as an Army CW3 Warrant Officer. He was also a very successful investigator with several high profile cases.

Bill was also an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served faithfully in different callings throughout his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Mary Louise Schagel, his  father William Schagel Sr. and Mother Letha Virginia Halverson.

Bill is survived by three sons and two daughters - William Scott (Erica) Schagel, Shelly Schagel-Brown, Kenneth (Lori) Schagel, Christopher (Shawn) Schagel, and Catherine (Nic) Dewsnup. Grandchildren - Zachary (Nicole) Rigby, Addison (Kaydee Jo) Schagel, Bryson Schagel, Greg (Emma) Schagel, Hayden (Christine) Schagel, Lauren (Rhett) Hatch, Madellyn Brown, Alexis Schagel, Austin Schagel, Jacob Schagel, Maerynn Brown, Riley Schagel, Jordis Schagel, Ehren Parker Schagel, Loganne Blankstrom, Cooper Dewsnup, Cole Schagel, Carter Dewsnup, and Taylor Schagel. Great Grandchildren - Aven Rigby, Ella Rigby, Bryah Schagel, Daxon Rigby, Carli Renee Anne Martinez and Bayler Allen Schagel. Also survived by many other extended family members and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 16th at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sumter Building on 3500 W. Sumter Dr, Tucson, Az 85742. Following the Funeral Service, Bill will be laid to rest at the Binghampton LDS Cemetery, 4001 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, Az 85718. Funeral Home Services are provided by Brings Funeral Home Inc. 6910 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, Az 85710.