Obituary of Donald E. Pagel

Donald E. Pagel, 97, of Wisconsin Rapids, died Sunday morning, July 14, 2013, at the Wisconsin Rapids Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at St. Paul?s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Martin Baur and Rev. James Douglas will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by VFW Post 2534. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church. Donald was born in the Town of Sigel, Wood County, on March 17, 1916 to Herman and Laura (Lubeck) Pagel. He married Hazel Scholten on October 5, 1940 at St. Paul?s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Donald was employed at Consolidated Papers, Inc. for 43 years and retired in 1980 as a Journeyman Pipefitter. He was a faithful member of St. Paul?s Evangelical Lutheran Church and served in many capacities, including: the building committee, treasurer, and member of the Men?s Club. He was also a member of the West Side Lion?s Club and a member of VFW Post 2534. He enjoyed golfing and woodworking. Don served in WWII from July 1, 1942 to September 15, 1945 in the European Theatre. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of Staff Sgt. During his time of service, he participated in amphibious landings in Sicily, Italy, Anzio Beachhead, Southern France, as part of the 3rd Infantry Division-Heavy Weapons Company, Mortarman. Survivors include: his wife, Hazel; his three children: Susan Bobrowski, Wisconsin Rapids; Dan (Calene) Pagel, Minocqua; and Cynde (Bill) Joosten, Rudolph; seven grandchildren: Kathy (Mark) Arnold, Appleton; Brian (Debbie) Bobrowski, Wisconsin Rapids; Laurie (Jim) Wolff, Appleton; Nathan Pagel, Waukesha; Robin Pagel, Richfield; Laura (Tim) Rice, Junction City; and David Joosten, Wisconsin Rapids; six great-grandchildren: Ben Arnold, Abby Arnold, Zac Wolff, Dylan Wolff, Makenna Rice and Breanna Rice. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Laura Pagel, son-in-law, Jim Bobrowski, sister, Doris Walters, brother, Leonard Pagel, and great-grandson, Nicholas Arnold. Memorials may be designated in Don?s name to St. Paul?s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements.