Obituaries

Theodore H "Ted" Pagel, Jr.

Aug. 19, 1934 - Oct. 1, 2023 - New Holstein, WI

Funeral Service

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023

1:30 pm


Peace Evangelical & Reform Church

181 Main St.

Potter, WI 54160

Funeral Visitation

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm


Wieting Family Funeral Home

411 W Main St.

Chilton, WI

Funeral Visitation

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023

12:00 pm


Peace Evangelical & Reform Church

181 Main St.

Potter, WI 54160

Burial Service

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023

3:00 pm


Country View Cemetery

Fur Farm Rd.

New Holstein, WI 53061

Theodore H "Ted" Pagel, Jr.

New Holstein WI

Theodore H. “Ted” Pagel, Jr., age 89, of New Holstein, died peacefully at his home on October 1, 2023. He was born August 19, 1934, in Belle Fourche, SD, to the late Theodore, Sr. and Elva (Smith) Pagel. On November 7, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna House, and she remained his “magnet” for almost 70 years.

Ted was a police officer from 1956 until 1991, also serving as Sheriff of Calumet County and Chief of Police in New Holstein.  He was a charter member of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers Association. He was well-liked and respected as he was always willing to give someone a second chance because he knew everyone can make mistakes. He also built a Texaco gas station/car wash during that time. After retiring from law enforcement, Ted became a farmer and raised Hereford cattle, which he called “his girls”.  Later, he and Donna spent their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 

Ted was happy to protect and serve but nothing brought him more pride than his family. He was an avid sports fan and helped coach little league and never missed a chance to watch his kids compete in sports. He loved watching the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers.  He also enjoyed playing cards, bowling, shooting pool, fishing, boating, water skiing and hunting with his boys.

Ted is survived by the love of his life, Donna; his children: Sue Niesen, Sharon (Peter) Eiring, Debra Pagel (significant other, Michael Michel), Robert (Jennifer) Pagel, Laurie (Allen) Anhalt, Bradley (Dawn) Pagel, and William “Bill” (Tracy) Pagel; fourteen grandchildren: Jeff (Meredith) Niesen, Sarah Eiring (significant other, Josh Bennin), Dustin (Nora) Eiring, Abby (Matt) Bauer, Jessica Sommers, Megan (Marc) Bucaro, Matt Kier (Fiancee, Nicole Leonard), Lucas Pagel, Mike (Kelly) Anhalt, Kayla (Jake) Brenner, Heather (Fatee) Lee, Courtney Pagel (significant other, Jacob Haas), Keeley Buczek, Sidney Zastrow (Fiance,Jordan Hartshorne); 31 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law: James Heckman; his little dog, Pepper; and many nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents: Theodore, Sr. and Elva Pagel; sisters: Lea Heckman, Penny Norman, and Elvie Pagel; Donna’s parents: Melford and Lorena House; and sister-in-law: Karen (Joe) Klotz.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Peace Evangelical and Reform Church (181 Main St.) in Potter, with Rev. Dr. Marc Axelrod officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton, and from 12:00 pm until 1:15 pm at the church on the day of service. 

Ted’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his daughter Deb Pagel, a hospice nurse from California who helped her mom care for her dad. To Calumet County Hospice for their excellent care, especially nurse Julie, Dr. Dellaria and social worker Chandel. The family would also like to express sincere appreciation to Pastor Marc for his prayerful visits.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in the name of Ted Pagel.

At the time of the service and following, there will be a link availabile above for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.

Condolences


Our deepest sympathy to the Pagel Family. At work he was Chief Pagel and after work he was just Ted , whether camping or home gatherings. Rest in peace Ted.

Joan & Tom Hess (Boss and Friend) 2023-10-08 10:30:13

Our deepest sympathy to the Pagel Family. At work he was Chief Pagel and after work he was just Ted , whether camping or home gatherings. Rest in peace Ted.

Joan & Tom Hess (Boss and Friend) 2023-10-08 10:04:50

So very sorry to hear of Ted's passing. He was a kind and caring man, so easy to talk with.

Mike & Wendy Cramer (Friend) 2023-10-07 18:55:46

So sorry that Ted is gone. Nancy knew him when she and Penny were in school together...a very long time ago. Lots of fun memories! Please remember them too. Ted will be missed by many.

Jim and Nancy Steenport (Friends) 2023-10-07 07:27:38

Very sorry to here of Ted’s passing. He was a great man, friend and mentor. I have great memories working for him at the car wash. Condolences to the family, May he rest in peace.

Mike Price (Friend) 2023-10-06 15:42:34

My condolences to all family . I always enjoyed the times I had talking to him on numerous occasions. He was a great man.

Gary Schad (Friend) 2023-10-06 15:39:22

Bob and Jenny, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your dad was a wonderful man and great influence on many. It’s hard to lose someone who has left such an imprint on your heart. Hugs to all.????????

Steve and Mary Gueller (Friend) 2023-10-06 07:23:26

I spent many years working with Ted and he was my best boss. We had good times together, especially after our squad meetings. I will miss him! God bless and rest in peace.

Charles Meves (Friend) 2023-10-05 13:10:03

I remember Chief Pagel as I was growing up in NH. Well-respected and fair. My dad, Delmar, always had nice things to say about him and fondly remembers his years working at the car wash. Keeping your family in my prayers.

Karen (Nett) Schmid (community member) 2023-10-05 09:02:20

Our sympathy to you and your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Guy and Mary Jo (Friends) 2023-10-05 08:49:14

Sherri and Peter: We send our very deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. And also sympathy extended to the family. May he be at peace. Mary and Chuck

Chuck and Mary Eiring (Uncle to Peter Eiring) 2023-10-04 20:03:39

Sherri and Pete, our sympathy at the loss of your father.

Frank and Geri Steiner (Friend) 2023-10-04 16:09:12

To the Pagel Family, I met Sue when I first moved to NH in 6th grade. We became immediate friends and has been that way for over 50 years. Once you knew the family you became part of their family. Ted and Donna treated me like another daughter. I remember him talking to me about something I had done wrong, but I can also remember him giving me hugs. I worked at the gas station and car wash. He was a great boss. He was such an amazing man, and so proud of his family. He will be missed by so many people. He touched so many lives. Sending prayers and hugs to all the family. We all have lots of memories to get us through this hard time. Lots of love, Cheryl

Cheryl Schmidt Yoder (Friend of family. Sue is like a sister to me) 2023-10-04 15:23:14

Bill.... so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Condolences and prayers to you and Tracy and the entire Pagel family.

Gaylene & Mario Muniz (Neighbor to Bill and Tracy) 2023-10-04 14:45:13

Sending my deepest sympathy for your loss. Wishing you peace, comfort, and many great memories to keep with you always!

Judy Woelfel (New Holstein) 2023-10-04 12:33:38

To the entire Pagel family, l extend my sincere sympathy. My memories of Ted are filled with the image of a gentle and kind Christian man. I know your faith will be your source of comfort as you cling to the promise of your reunion with Ted!

Rev. Kris Borns (Friend) 2023-10-04 12:17:08

Sorry Donna on your great loss. Ted was a easy man to like. He always graciously answered this rookie police officer's questions when I was on the NHPD. Also enjoyed snowshoe rabbit hunting with him,behind a bunch of beagel hounds up North. He was a true Gentleman!

Dave Boll (Friend) 2023-10-03 22:13:25

Donna, condolences to you and your entire family.

Nick & Crystal Milinich (:) 2023-10-03 21:31:41

Sherri and Pete, Ao very sorry for your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless your family with his peace and comfort.?

Marilyn Lisowe (Friend) 2023-10-03 18:05:09

We are so sorry for your loss. Ted was a good man and will be missed. 1042 Ted - you are with the angels now.

Wally & Mary Ann Dudzinske (Friend) 2023-10-03 16:05:38

Sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. I remember many stories from mom (Eunice Totzke Parsons) when I was young of all their shenanigans. God bless.

Mari Romanack (Friend of family ) 2023-10-03 05:32:59

So sorry for the loss of your father & husband. Also, he was an outstanding man for New Holstein. May he rest in peace.

Tom & LuAnn Buechel (Friend) 2023-10-02 18:37:51


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