Frank van der Nagel

September 6, 1926 - April 2, 2022

Frank van der Nagel, died peacefully at home with his loving wife Pamela at his side, on April 2, 2022 at the age of 95. In life, Frank truly lived “The American Dream”. Frank was born in Jakarta, Indonesia September 6, 1926, the son of Dutch parents Laurens Arnold van der Nagel and Hendrika Adriana Spechtvoncorstanje. His father worked as a physician in Indonesia until Frank was 8 when the family returned to Holland. Frank loved being with his friends and always had a smile on his face. To give an example of Frank’s positive and happy outlook in life: one winter evening in Holland he was wearing a medieval knight costume and was walking along a canal with friends en route to a costume party. He decided to take a shortcut over the frozen canal and fell through the ice! His friends pulled him out of the freezing water with Frank laughing and taking it in stride! During World War II, at the age of 17, Frank joined the Dutch resistance during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. He later served in the Royal Netherlands Army as a sharpshooter eventually earning sniper status. During his service, he was captured three times by German troops and managed to escape each time. During his third escape, Frank traversed the Great Pyrenees Mountains before ending up in France. An accomplished musician, Frank played the upright bass in jazz clubs throughout Holland and France after the war. During his time in France, he worked as a stunt double in several classic films including ‘To Catch a Thief’ with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant in 1955. He was determined to live in the United States and become a citizen, so he and his first wife, Aleida, made the journey to New York with the help of sponsors he met in France. After taking on odd jobs to support himself, he soon realized his dream of becoming a US citizen! He moved to California, earned his broker’s license, soon opening his own mortgage brokerage company. In addition to his dedication to work, he loved the outdoors and the ocean, especially Venice Beach, where he enjoyed working out becoming one of the regulars! Fitness was always important to him. Frank managed numerous health clubs in southern California beginning in 1957 then through the 1980’s including Vic Tanny, Beverly Hills Health Club and International Hotel Health Club and Spa. Frank owned and operated the fitness center at the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. and North Hollywood Health Club (NHHC) North Hollywood, CA. Many celebrities and professional body builders trained and worked out at his club. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jack LaLanne were among his contemporaries. Frank sold the NHHC and retired in 1998. In 1988 Pamela Jones joined his gym and it was love at first sight for Frank! They married in 1991. The couple moved to Palm Desert in 1999 to build their dream home. They enjoyed gourmet cooking and traveling to Hawaii, Europe and Puerta Vallarta. Singles tennis soon became a favorite past-time for Frank which he played up to the age of 93. Throughout Frank’s life he made friends everywhere. He always made it a point to take the time to talk to everyone, from his friends to every worker or stranger he encountered (which was easy as he spoke seven languages). Frank could often be found plucking away on his old manual Underwood typewriter, corresponding with new-found friends. He was genuinely interested in people and loved life! He was always smiling and happy. Frank is survived by his wife of 31 years Pamela Jones-van der Nagel, in Indio, CA. He is also survived by former wife Britt Marie van der Nagel of Los Angeles; his son Marc Anthony van der Nagel and granddaughter Ashley Ore both of Las Vegas; son Eric van der Nagel, his wife Kelly and grandson Sean Christian of Los Angeles. He was preceded in death by a brother Loute van der Nagel. As per Frank’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Condolences and remembrances may be presented at the following link: http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Frankvan-der-Nagel-108540713