Joan L. Pagel, age 74, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau. Joan was born in Tomahawk on Aug. 19, 1950, to the late Duane and Helen (VanNorman) Taves Sr. She was married to Kenneth Pagel on July 19, 2009; he survives.
Joan was a lifelong resident of Tomahawk where she was a 1967 graduate of the Tomahawk High School. She worked for many years as a legal secretary for Sattler Law Office. Joan loved being outside going for long walks in the woods or down a secluded gravel road looking for unique rocks for her rock collection – especially “red and black stripers.” She absolutely loved nature! A dedicated mother of four, Joan kept her household in line. She was known for keeping an impeccably clean house…one little speck of dust didn’t stand a chance! Her passion for cleanliness spilled out into the outdoors where she loved to keep her flower gardens completely weed free. When not cleaning, she could be found in her chair reading a good mystery novel, trying to beat Hoyle in a game of solitaire, or playing a round of golf. Her grandchildren brought her the most joy. She never hesitated at the chance to watch them no matter what condition she was in. Joan loved to listen to them read to her; you could always find at least one child in her lap with others not so patiently waiting. A very strong and determined mother, you would never know she was feeling down or in pain on any particular day. She kept a smile on her face and wanted to know every detail about her grandkids up until the very end.
Survivors include her husband, Ken Pagel, of Tomahawk; her children, Paul (Heidi) Winter, Dan (Peggy) Winter, and Lana (Roger) Fleming, all of Tomahawk; her stepchildren, Kyler Pagel, of Orlando, Fla., Brehn (Emily) Pagel, of Plover, Wis., and Kendra (Eric) Kaiser, of Greenwood, Wis.; and her grandchildren, Lexi, Aliya, Lauren, Brooklyn, Logan, Blake, and Isaac. Joan is further survived by her sisters, Nancy Schneider, of Wausau, Wis., and Jean Schwartzbauer, of Prairie Farm, Wis.; and her brothers, Duane Taves and Carl Taves, both of Tomahawk.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Helen; and her son, Todd Winter.
In accordance with wishes, no formal services will be held. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Joan’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.
