PAGEL

HOLTON – Donald H. Pagel, 82, of Holton, KS passed away Thursday, October 15, 2009 as the result of an ATV accident heading off cattle at his farm north of the Parallel Road. He was born August 24, 1927 west of Holton, KS the son of Theodore and Mina E. Haas Pagel. He graduated from Holton High School in 1945.
Don was a lifelong farmer and stockman in the Holton and Netawaka communities. While in the eighth grade he purchased his first pure bred Hereford heifer with which he started his herd. He was a member of the Netawaka United Methodist Church. Don served on the Hazel Row, Netawaka and Jackson Heights School boards. He was a member of the Kansas Agriculture State Board and the JCLA for many years serving as president in 1977. He received Pasture Improvement Awards in 1964 and 1965, the Lion's Club "Farmer of the Year" in 1969 and received one of the Kansas Bankers Soil Conservation Awards in 1970. Don was a member of KLA since early 1960's and served on the KLA Board of Directors from 1978 – 1981. He was a Lay member of the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners from 1981 – 1988 and was a 60 year member of the Netawaka Masonic Lodge.
Don married Estella Ely on March 19, 1950 in Netawaka, KS. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Diane Kathrens (Steve) of Holton, KS; 2 sons, Wayne Pagel (Beth) and Henry Pagel (Margaret) all of Holton, KS; a sister, Carolyn Andler of Parkville, MO; 9 grandchildren, Amy Crotts (Jeff) of Lake Lotawana, MO, Brandy Watkins (Aaron) of Holton, KS, Dean Pagel of Scottsdale, AZ, Will Pagel (Dora) of Cambridge, IA, Kurt Kathrens (Heidi) of Bennett, CO, Jenny Oxandale (Brett) of Topeka, KS, Laney Kathrens of Holton, KS, Melissa Tanking (Jason) of Lawrence, KS and Matt Pagel of Holton, KS; 8 great grandchildren, Jaret, Logan and Brooke Crotts, Carter and Raegan Watkins, Kyler and Bailey Kathrens and Mauricio Pagel. He was preceded in death by twin infant daughters, Karen and Sharon Pagel in 1955.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with Pastor Roger Frederick officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Netawaka United Methodist Church or Holton Community Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.