Date of Birth:
Thursday, April 13, 1939
Date of Death:
Friday, June 28, 2019
Age:
80 years old

Barbara Pagel

Barbara Pagel, 80, passed away Friday, June 28, 2019 at St. Marys Hospital under the care of the Mayo Hospice team

Barbara Anne Whitcomb was born April 13, 1939 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Barb attended country school at District 59 through sixth grade, she then went to Trinity Lutheran School in Rochester for two years and graduated from Rochester High School in 1956. Barb attended Winona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in December of 1959 and began teaching at Longfellow Elementary School, the former District 59 where she and her brothers attended.

Barb and Tony Pagel started going together at the Olmsted County Fair in 1955. They were married on August 12, 1959. Barb and Tony were proud to raise their family on the farm working the land, close to nature, growing crops, hogs, and registered Holstein cattle. Barb had many passions including photography, birds, flower gardening, vegetable gardening, and most importantly her faith in God. Barb was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she practiced her faith and shared that with friends and family.

Barb was a dedicated teacher and 4-H leader. She retired from teaching to raise her young children. Once the kids were of school age, she went back to work off the farm at Brown Photo as a store manager. After the company went through a merger, she took a job at International Transport. Eventually she worked at Herff Jones in Lewiston, MN as a department manager, retiring in 2003. Barb and Tony had a strong interest in local history including recording their personal memories for family and friends. In 2010, Barb and Tony chaired the 150th anniversary celebration for the Olmsted County Fair.

Barb is survived by her children, Rick (Elizabeth) Pagel, Diana (Tim) Mann, Beth Anne (Mike Pembleton) Pagel; four grandchildren, Chris and Tony Pagel and Aric and Mackenzie Mann; one great-grandchild, Brantley Mann and many nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tony; her parents, Elsie and James Whitcomb; and her brothers, Howard and David Whitcomb.

A celebration of life service will be held for Barb at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8th at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN with Pastor Anjanette Bandel officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Sunday, July 7th and one hour prior to the service at church.