Gladys E. Pagenkopf, age 99, of Tomahawk, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Milestone Senior Living in Tomahawk. Gladys was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, on July 30, 1923, to the late Winifred (Eddy) and James C. Kinney, a gold miner and store owner. Gladys and her mother returned to Wisconsin, Winifred’s home state, after her father’s death in 1934. She completed high school in Lancaster, Wis., and later earned her nursing degree at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, Ill.
Gladys was married to Virgil E. “Bud” Pagenkopf in 1947 in Lancaster. They moved to Merrill, Wis., in 1956 and raised their family. She worked at Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill. After retirement, she and Bud traveled extensively by trailer and RV visiting nearly every one of the lower states plus Mexico and Canada. They eventually settled in Sun City, Fla. Gladys volunteered on the local rescue squad for 11 years. Her husband died in 2015. She excelled at many crafts and painted exquisite water colors.
She is survived by two sons, James B. (Peggy) Pagenkopf and Jon J. (Christine) Pagenkopf; two daughters, Patricia Heller, and Mary (Albert) Pjura who preceded her in death. Other survivors include her grandchildren, Amy (Greg) Crocker, Jennifer (Patrick) McGraw, Nicholas (Emily) Pagenkopf, and Elizabeth (Michael) Pagenkopf; in addition to her great-grandchildren, Hanna Pjura and George Pagenkopf. In accordance with Gladys’ wishes, no formal services will be held. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Gladys’ obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.