Donald "Don" Herbert Pagels

Donald “Don” “Bud” Herbert Pagels, age 92, of Gleason, WI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. His long life was a testament to quiet strength, steady devotion, and the simple joys that mean the most. He was born on September 10, 1933, to the late Herbert and Beulah (Niquette) Pagels in Two Rivers, WI. Don went to elementary school at St. John’s Lutheran School in Two Rivers, WI and attended and graduated from Two Rivers Washington High School with the class of 1951. He met the love of his life, Marilyn Voigt, and the two exchanged marriage vows on July 28, 1956, in Manitowoc. They built a life together in Two Rivers, WI, raising their three sons. Sadly, she preceded him in death.

Don worked in the machine shop at Paragon Electronics in Two Rivers, WI for many years, until retired and moved to Gleason, WI. Don found happiness in the outdoors, working on clearing his trails and in the work of his hands. In his younger years, he would take many road trips on his motorcycle. He loved deer hunting and fishing, and spending time working on his equipment – moments that reflected his patience, skill and appreciation for life’s quiet rhythms. More than anything, he treasured time spent with his family and friends, creating memories that will be carried forward for generations. Don was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI. Those who knew him, knew his warmth, resilience and the way he showed love through presence, guidance and care. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared and the love he gave so freely. Don is remembered by his family as a loving and giving man, and they are grateful for the memories shared and the lessons he taught, which will stay with them forever. The love he gave to his family will never fade, and a part of him will live on. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who knew him.

Don is survived by his sons: Ward (Victoria) Pagels, Jeffrey Pagels and Steven Pagels, grandchildren: Monica (Matt) Jones, Tara (Primo) Reyes, Jennifer (Dan) Stephani and Logan Pagels, great grandchildren: Hayley and Tristen Yanda, Malayna Jones, Morgan Schnell, Mitchell Jones, Dannica Quandt, Miguel, Javier and Giovanny Reyes Quitana, Kaleb and Espyn Fortuna, Maria, Arianna and Cristian Hernandez and Hudson, Emma and Brady Stephani, great great grandchildren: Eli and Sophiee Jones, sisters-in-law: Carol Pagels, Diane Brull and Dolly Voigt and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Marilyn, sisters: Marlene (Charles) Cline and Sandra (Robert) Timreck, brother: Gary Pagels and brothers-in-law: Mike Brull and Wes Voigt.

The funeral service for Don will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church, in Merrill, WI. Pastor Neal Behm will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. There will be an additional funeral service on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3607 45th St, Two Rivers, WI 54241. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Entombment will take place at Knollwood Cemetery at a later date.

For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed and recorded and available for viewing on the Christ Lutheran Church website, www.christmerrill.com or the Merrill Christ Lutheran Church YouTube channel.

The family wishes to thank Don’s amazing and helpful friends and neighbors: Katherine & Travis, Mike & Julie and Jim & Debbie. The comfort that their help gave the family was very much appreciated.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.