In Remembrance

Laurel Faith Pagel

Laurel Faith Pagel, loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, was born on August 20, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Louis Martin Ziegler and Amy Lucile (Holmes) Ziegler. At the age of three, Laurel and her family moved from St. Paul to the family farm in Pine County. There she grew up alongside her four siblings, adventuring with family and friends around the farm. She graduated from Willow River High School in 1961.

Laurel valued education and lifelong learning. She attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, earning a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Geography in 1965. Shortly after graduation, she married William “Bill” Frank Pagel, beginning a marriage that would span 60 years. Together they lived in the Twin Cities and Washington, D.C., before settling in Duluth, where they would raise their family and make their home for more than five decades.

Laurel worked in social services for St. Louis County and later assisted Bill with their growing business, all while raising their children, Mark and Karen. She devoted countless hours to supporting her children and grandchildren’s sports, music, and school activities—organizing team dinners, volunteering with booster clubs, and helping with church events.

Later, Laurel and Bill built a home on Barrs Lake, north of Duluth, where they lived for nearly 20 joyful years. They were deeply involved with the North Star Fire Department, with Laurel serving as a trained EMT. Known for her calm and compassionate presence, she helped many people through difficult situations. Her medical training also took her abroad on two mission trips with her church to Honduras, experiences that were deeply meaningful and impactful to her.

Laurel loved the outdoors—walking, biking, and gardening brought her joy. She also loved to travel, exploring new places, visiting friends and family, and embarking on many epic adventures with dear family friends, the Christens. She cherished community and fellowship, participating in the Red Hat Society, multiple Bible study groups, and volunteering at Animal Allies and the St. Luke’s Hospital gift shop for over 20 years.

Laurel is lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Bill; her children, Mark (Amy) Pagel of Northfield, MN, and Karen (Rick) Pagel Guerndt of Duluth, MN; and her treasured grandchildren, Emerson, Alexander, and Audrey Pagel, and Ellen Guerndt. She is also survived by her brother, Hart (Judy) Ziegler; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and a wide circle of extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Helen and Lucile; her infant sister, June; and her brother, Darryl.

Laurel passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren, and blessed with visits from many dear family members and friends.

A celebration of Laurel’s life will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Duluth, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A brief graveside service will follow. Laurel will be laid to rest at Park Hill Cemetery in Duluth.