Florence Elmetta Pagel

Florence E. Pagel, 87, of Wausau passed on to eternal life Saturday, December 12, 2020. Florence was born May 5, 1933 in Marathon to the late Hilton and Genevieve Rusch and was the oldest of ten children. She was a loving wife for 54 years to the late Bob Pagel. She is survived by her daughters: Debbie Prunty (Bob), Denice Kerswill (Randy), Roberta Thompson (Mark); grandchildren: Heather, Ryan, Ashley, and Stephanie Kerswill, and John Prunty (Anna) and great-grandson, Theo. She is also survived by three sisters, and dear nieces and nephews. Florence will be remembered for her unwavering faith, love of family, friends, and neighbors and her generosity to others. She was an avid seamstress and cook, and used those gifts to bless others. Wedding dresses for her wedding and her daughters’ weddings were hand sewn by her, and they were beautiful. Friends and neighbors looked forward to the homemade cookies, candies, and breads that she baked. Her exquisite flower garden and arrangements brought joy and photo opportunities to friends. Bob and Florence also had a huge vegetable garden and Flo made delicious meals and preserves with the vegetables and fruit they grew. Bob and Flo traveled to all 50 states. They also traveled to Europe where they visited their foreign exchange daughter, Beatrice Bonetti, who lives in Venice, Italy. Florence was known for looking her best, and she found her niche working in retail sales at Siems Men’s Store, Singers, Johnson Hills, and Town and Country. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School and was an active member in the Mother’s Club. She also volunteered at Aspirus Hospital, Elk’s Club, and Wisconsin Valley Auxiliary to Shriners Hospital. Her compassion for others was important in how she lived her life and she will be deeply missed. A private burial will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery this winter, and a celebration of Florence’s life with family and friends will be held this summer in Wausau. Memorials to the Shriners Hospital, Wisconsin Valley Auxiliary, PO Box 302, Wausau WI 54402-0302; or to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Benevolence Fund are preferred in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be expressed at pagenkopf.com.