The Nagler family emigrated from Austria and arrived in Calgary in 1913. Sabine attended normal school and taught in one-room country schools in nearby communities before serving the Calgary Public School System.

Before leaving to take up permanent residence in Canada, Herman had visited Calgary with his maternal uncle, Henry Noah Sereth, who had established himself in the lumber business in the early 1900's. His father Meir followed and, in 1913, sent for the rest of the family.