Wayne Pagel

Wayne Pagel, 71, town of Wausau, joined his heavenly Father on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his life Wayne enjoyed the outdoors from hunting & fishing to cross-country skiing, working in his garden, and playing sports with his family, including softball with the "PJ" Family team. He was an amazing man who always found time for his family & friends. Throughout his life Wayne touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with as he shared his faith and his love for others. The positive influence he had on so many people became evident in the outpouring of love and affection that was shown by so many individuals in the last several months.

Wayne was born November 22, 1940 in Wausau to Myron & Viola (Kell) Pagel. He married Beverly Kolpacki on May 22, 1965 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.

After serving active duty in the Army Reserves, Wayne began his employment at Wausau Window & Wall Systems where he worked for 43 years, retiring in 2005. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, where he served on various ministry boards. He also enjoyed participating in the Easter musical, Bow the Knee.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Beverly; three sons, Jeff, Troy (Sandie), and Tim (Jessie), all of Wausau; four grandchildren, Austin, Taylor, Emma and Tyler; his mother, Viola; three brothers, Kenneth, Eldon (Pat), Gene (Andrea) and one sister, Charlotte (Allan) Juedes. He was preceded in death by his father, Myron and his sister-in-law, Yvonne.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church, 6th & Grant Street, Wausau, at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will held at 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. The Rev. Steven Gjerde will officiate. A family burial will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date. Military honors will be presented by Montgomery Plant Post #10.

The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital & Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and the many caring individuals who in their own way helped to make this difficult time easier. Memorials may be given in Wayne's name to the 'Zion Radio Broadcast' or 'Zion, Aniwa - Bow the Knee'. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.