Clifton G. Pagel –

Clif Pagel, 87, of Rochester, MN died Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Seasons Hospice House.

Clif was born at home on November 26, 1931 in Marion, MN to George and Lula (Young) Pagel. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1949 and served in the U.S. Army from 1954-55 until he returned home to farm. On August 17, 1957, he married Lea H. Renken at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. The couple farmed and raised their family in rural Eyota until moving to Rochester in 1991. He continued helping on the farm while also working various jobs at the Post-Bulletin, Hertz and Menards.

Clif was involved in FFA/4-H as a youth and continued supporting them as an adult. He was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he served 19 years as a volunteer for Community Food Response. Clif served on the Olmsted County American Dairy Association Board, was very active in Farm Bureau, and was also a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Committee. He enjoyed building things and time behind the wheel of any vehicle. Spending time with his family was a priority along with his passion for helping others.

Survivors include his wife, Lea; one daughter, Rose (Dale) Turnacliff of Northfield, MN; and four sons, Ronald (Lori) Pagel of Eyota, Roger (Ann) Pagel of Rochester, Robert (Chaz) Pagel of Nerstrand, and Richard (Tracey) Pagel of Stewartville; 11 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Clif was preceded in death by four sisters and one brother.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN with Pastor Norman Wahl officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2019 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.

Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church, Community Food Response, or Seasons Hospice House.