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Laurel Faith Pagel, 82, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Born August 20, 1943, in St. Paul, MN, Laurel grew up in Pine County and graduated from Willow River High School in 1961. She earned a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1965, the same year she married William “Bill” Pagel. Together they made their home in Duluth, where Laurel worked in social services, raised their children, and volunteered numerous places including Animal Allies and the St. Luke’s Hospital gift shop for more than 20 years. A trained EMT, she also served with the North Star Fire Department and took part in mission trips to Honduras with her church.

Laurel loved hiking, biking, gardening, traveling, exploring new places, and her bible study groups. She was dedicated to lifelong learning, and supporting her family and friends (especially her grandchildren!)

Laurel is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bill; children Mark (Amy) Pagel of Northfield, MN, and Karen (Rick) Guerndt of Duluth; grandchildren Emerson, Alexander, and Audrey Pagel, and Ellen Guerndt; and brother Hart (Judy) Ziegler. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Amy Ziegler; sisters Helen, Lucile, and June; and brother Darryl.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Duluth. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Park Hill Cemetery