KENNETH PAGEL

 Kenneth (Ken) John Pagel, age 76, died peacefully April 23, 2016, following hard fought battle with cancer. He was determined to live life to the fullest despite the challenges he had to overcome since his diagnosis three years ago. Ken was born on September 21, 1939, in Neenah, to Leonard and Leona (Schultz) Pagel.

 Ken graduated from Neenah High School in 1957. He attended Stout State College, studying Industrial Engineering and it was during his college days, that he met his future wife Mona. He entered the Air Force in 1959, proudly serving his country at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, TX, working on B-52s. On June 27th, 1964, he married Ramona Johnson from River Falls, WI, and she joined him in Texas. They resided in Abilene for two years, welcoming their first child, Caryn, before moving back to Neenah in 1966. He returned to work at Overly, Inc in Neenah. He had started there in high school sweeping floors and ended his career as President. He teamed up with Bill Overly and was awarded two patents for Air Foil Paper Dryers. He was fortunate to travel the world sharing his expertise in the field of paper technology.

 During that time, his family was growing, with his sons Troy and John being born. Living close to Lake Winnebago all his life he shared his love for the water with his family. He taught all of the kids to sail on his boat, “Bye the Wind”.  Later in life, he shared his love of hunting and fishing with his sons.

 On November 24th, 1991, Ken regained control of his life and found sobriety through the support of AA and many friends. He began a second career at Step Industries in Neenah and spent many years there sharing his knowledge and talents. He was also a dedicated board member of The Mooring Programs in Appleton, Charter Member of both the Little Chute Sunday Morning and Wednesday Men's AA groups, recovery mentor to area jail inmates and interventionist for countless families.

 In his retirement, he spent much of his time fishing all over Wisconsin. He made annual trips to Lake Erie walleye fishing and North Dakota duck hunting, with Troy and John. He enjoyed designing and building many woodworking projects and helping the kids with countless home improvement projects. He was also a huge supporter of all of the grandkids activities, willing to travel any distance.  He always put others first because of his generous and caring personality.

 Survivors include three children: Caryn L. (Steve) Kihl, Troy L. (Lisa) Pagel, John S. Pagel (Stacy Free); eight grandchildren: Hannah and Hayden Kihl, Logan and Tessa Pagel, Taya Pagel, and Brayden, Landon and Amaya Free; sister-in-law, Ila Hansen; niece Ingrid Johnson-Redding and nephew Rolf Johnson and many devoted friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; wife and special friend Mona Pagel; brothers in law: Leonard R. Johnson and Donald Hansen; and sister-in-law, Patricia Johnson.

 The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 26th, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home.  The visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until the hour of service.  In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated to The Mooring Program of Appleton.