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In Memory Of

George L. Pagel

July 7, 1942 - September 22, 2025

Visitation:
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 - 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
202 E. Rusch Street
Thorp, WI 54771

Services:
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 - 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
202 E. Rusch Street
Thorp, WI 54771

Full Obituary

     George L. Pagel, age 83, of Thorp, WI, passed away peacefully at his home in the township of Withee on Monday, September 22, 2025.
     George was born on July 7, 1942, in Thorp to John and Katherine (Biddle) Pagel. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work while growing up on the family farm.   He attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse in the Township of Worden. A proud graduate of Thorp High School, Class of 1960, George carried his strong work ethic throughout his life. Over the years, he worked at the Post Company in Owen, Liberty Homes in Dorchester, and spent 26 dedicated years as a custodian at Thorp Elementary School.  Throughout the school hallways, he was recognized by all for his steadfast dependability and generous heart. He cared deeply for both students and teachers, always placing their well-being as his highest priority.
     On August 10, 1963, George married his high school sweetheart, Carol M. Doege, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thorp. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and simple joys. George and Carol raised their family with love and devotion to the land and each other, while raising feeder pigs and Hereford cattle.  He especially loved watching newborn Hereford calves, whose lively antics and fresh energy were a constant source of humor and happiness for him.
     A devoted and lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, George faithfully served in many capacities over the years. He was considered a pillar of the congregation, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. His steadfast faith in the Lord guided his life and shaped the values by which he lived.
     In retirement, George delighted in the pastimes that brought him the greatest joy. He had a passion for collecting classic cars and spent many hours tinkering with them, always hopeful to one day take them out for a drive. Among his most treasured possessions was his first car—a 1929 Model A, purchased at the age of 19— The car, kept in its original condition, was a great source of pride and was often showcased in community parades as a reminder of days gone by.  
     Another pastime George cherished was deer hunting season. For him, the true joy was not in the hunt itself, but in spending time surrounded by nature. Even with his aversion to the cold, he donned his rugged orange hunting jacket early in the morning and took his place in a metal chair along the trail, finding contentment in the peace of the outdoors.  His love of the season also inspired many lighthearted stories, fondly shared by his sons, as well as the Boehlkes, who helped make his final hunting seasons especially memorable.
     Additionally, George had a special fondness for his Allis Chalmers tractors. Whether he was plowing snow in the winter or working the fields during hay season, the tractors reflected the steady, hardworking man he was.
     Among George’s other lifelong passions were going on camping trips with his children during their younger years, attending community auctions, applying his carpentry and farming skills to improve his homestead and lending a hand to others, and taking road trips to visit family and friends—whether to offer support during times of illness or simply to enjoy their company.
     George’s family takes comfort in knowing that his legacy of faith, kindness, and loyalty will continue to live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him. Above all, George will be remembered for his gentle spirit, compassion, strong work ethic, and the quiet yet steady love he gave so freely. Though a man of few words, his actions spoke with great clarity, leaving behind a lasting example of a life well lived and a love deeply shared.
     He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carol; his children, James Pagel, Sr. of Chippewa Falls, WI, Jean (Scott) Lythjohan of Farmington, MN, and John Pagel of Chippewa Falls, WI; his cherished, special grandchild, Jimmy, with whom he shared a father-son bond, as well as Chelsey, and Miranda; great-grandchildren, Deondre, Princeton, and Aamelia; his sister-in-law, Joan Pagel of Eau Claire, WI; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
     The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to both George and Carol during his illness.
     George was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Gerald, Ronald, and William Pagel.  George’s love for his brothers remained strong, and he spoke of them tenderly as he approached his heavenly home.
     Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thorp, with Rev. Phil Beukema officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  The service will be live-streamed on the church's website, www.stpaulsthorpwi.com.  A luncheon will take place immediately after the service in the fellowship hall.