Viola Pagel

Viola Ernstina Pagel, 96, Wausau, died Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Viola was born April 13, 1917 in the Town of Wausau to the late Carl and Mathilda (Meihlan) Kell. She married Myron Pagel on June 25, 1938 at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Wausau. The couple worked on their dairy farm for nearly 30 years before Viola moved on to cook for the Hewitt Texas School for the next 10 years before retiring. Myron and Viola always worked hard to provide for their 5 children, but when it came time to relax the family often spent it fishing at their cottage in Rhinelander, a tradition that would continue with her grandchildren. Sadly, after 48 years together Myron died on May 6, 1987.

Viola was always an independent and feisty woman. A person always knew where they stood with Viola and she had no time for gossip. Viola also knew how to have fun polka dancing with her friend Dorothy, golfing or working in her garden. She was an excellent cook and baker, making wonderful cookies, homemade donuts and peanut bars.

Viola is survived by her children, Kenneth (Shirley Hilber) Pagel, Eldon (Pat) Pagel, Charlotte (Allan) Juedes and Gene (Andrea) Pagel; daughter-in-law, Beverly Pagel; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Hazel Kell, Elviera Kell and Florence Pagel; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her son, Wayne Pagel; daughter-in-law, Yvonne Pagel; and brothers, Arnold, Eric, Alvin, Oscar, Harold and Wilbert.

Funeral services will be 2:30 PM Sunday, March 30th at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wausau. Revered Richard Russow will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of services at the church. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park at a later time. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com. Helke Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Viola's memory.