Rosemarie Pagel

Rosemarie (Feller) Pagel, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Green Bay on February 5, 2026. Rosemarie was born in a farmhouse near New Glarus, Wisconsin on August 19, 1938 to the late Herman and Marie Feller. Rosemarie grew up with a deep appreciation for the simple joys – family time, good friends and a home filled with music. She spoke often of her happy childhood memories and learning the value of kindness toward others and determination to reach her goals. Rosemarie wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. She achieved this dream at age 20 after attending a two-year college. She taught at Prairie View School, a one room school with 24 children, from 1959 – 1962. Rosemarie left teaching after marrying and starting a family, but she later returned to college, earned a bachelor’s degree and worked as a substitute teacher for many years before retiring. Rosemarie was joined in marriage to Allan Pagel on November 24, 1961 at Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Rosemarie and Allan lived in different places throughout Wisconsin, eventually settling on a small farm in Denmark, Wisconsin. Rosemarie enjoyed spending time with family and took pride in being a lifelong learner. She enjoyed many types of music and books and enjoyed television shows ranging from 60 Minutes to Jeopardy to watching Packer games. Rosemarie’s faith was important to her. She volunteered as a Sunday School teacher at various times throughout her life. Rosemarie’s kindness and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Liz Pagel, Jennifer Pontzloff (Dennis), Bill Pagel (Amy) and Andy Pagel; grandchildren, Amanda Steffek (Tim), Adam Pontzloff (Hanna), and Jack Smukowski; great-grandchildren, Cody, Blake and Lily. She is also survived by her brother, Bob Feller (Pat), sisters-in-law, Mary Harrison and Karen Pagel, many other extended family members, and special friend and caretaker, Leslie Tenor. She is preceded in death by her husband, Allan, her parents, Herman and Marie Feller, brother Herman Feller (Jean), brothers and sisters-in-law, Daryl Pagel (Marie), Doris Seffrood (Clynt), Leonard Harrison and David Pagel. A celebration of Rosemarie’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 p.m. at First United Presbyterian Church, De Pere, Wisconsin. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. During the service, the family would like to offer the opportunity for friends and extended family to share a memory of Rosemarie. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Rosemarie’s name to Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary, Inc.

Rosemarie Pagel

August 19, 1938 - February 5, 2026