Nelson Louis Mengel, Sr.

NELSON LOUIS MENGEL, SR., died on July 6, 2004 at University of Maryland Hospital Shock Trauma, as a result of injuries sustained from a tragic accident on the Gabler’s Shore Property on June 1, 2004, while employed with Campbell Nolan Associates in Forest Hill. His wife and children were at his side.

Born on May 26, 1937, in Fountain Spring, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Charles Henry Mengel and Anna Bertha Dellock Mengel and brother of the late Rosemarie Johnson of Edgewood.

Nelson Mengel served in the United States Army from December 1961 to 1963, as a recovery specialist at Aberdeen Proving Ground, receiving a Good Conduct Medal.

He then became employed at Bloomingdale which later became Cytec Engineered Materials in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He supervised a Research and Development lab for Aerospace adhesives, receiving many Safety Awards and Certificates of Appreciation. He was employed until his retirement in 1999.

During that time of his career in Havre de Grace, Maryland, he developed an interest in decoys.

He had the opportunity to develop a friendship with Madison Mitchell and also developed an appreciation and interest in the carvings and history of the decoys in the area, as well as the Eastern Seaboard.

He then opened the “Rusty Rabbit Decoy Shop” in 1982, with an inventory of over 700 decoys from the late 1800’s to the 1940’s. He was known across the United States for his knowledge and wisdom of antique decoys.

After closing the Rusty Rabbit, he opened “The Top of the Bay” Decoy Shop, Sporting Goods and Country Crafts Shop with his sister Rosemarie Johnson. He received numerous certificates for participation in the various decoy shows, including the Quarter Century Club for the Easton Waterfowl Festival.

Nelson Mengel was passionate about decoys, but also more passionate about his life and family.

On April 23, 2002, he became employed with Campbell Nolan Associates in Forest Hill as a technician.

He is survived by his wife Wanda S. Mengel of five years; four children, Nelson Mengel, II of Aberdeen; Charles Mengel of Cecil County; Angelia Brooks of Rising Sun; Vicki Mengel of Baltimore; six grandchildren, Michael Mengel; Matthew Mengel; Mitchell Mengel, all of Aberdeen; Darryl Brooks; Brandon Brooks; and Faith Brooks, all of Rising Sun.

Pallbearers will be: David Blevins, James Hovatter, Daniel Carson, Michael Mengel, Trent Arledge, and Charles Mengel.

Those who desire may contribute to The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, 215 Giles Street, Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078.