Darrell Dean Pagel, age 85 of Garvin, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Amiret Cemetery with military honors by the Slayton American Legion. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Darrell Dean Pagel was born to Emil “Sam” and Viona (Dunteman) Pagel, the oldest of four children. He went to school at District 13 Amiret until 6th grade, then to Tracy High School where he graduated in 1958. Darrell was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving from 1963 to 1965. He was stationed in Germany the majority of his military career. In 1966, Darrell met Kathryn “Kay” Knutsen and they were married on January 21, 1967. They were blessed with three sons: Bradley, Brian and Emil. Darrell dedicated much of his working life to milking cows and helping neighbors with various chores, always willing to lend a hand where it was needed. He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life like fishing for bullheads, caring for his milk cows and calves, and tending to the land he so deeply respected. A true steward of the land, Darrell took pride in his work and the life he built. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, and his greatest joy was being with his grandchildren, who held a very special place in his heart.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 59 years Kay; sons: Bradley (Trish), Brian (Caryn) and Emil (Juli); grandchildren: Jacob, Maryann, Clara, Oliver, Devon and Aron Pagel; 2 step-grandchildren; siblings: Wallace Pagel and Marlene Platcek. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, parents-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, 2 brothers-inlaw and his sister Loretta.
