Norma J. Pagels, 96, of West Point, passed away Monday, January 15, 2024 at Franciscan Healthcare in West Point. Funeral service will be 10:00am on Saturday, January 20 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. John Gierke officiating. Private family burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Lunch will be at the church hall following the funeral. Visitation with family present will be Friday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Stokely Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran School or St. Paul Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.
Norma Jean Pagels was born on July 6, 1927, to Ralph and Florence (Spath) Walraven in North Bend. She attended school in Scribner and graduated from Scribner High School in 1944. On July 24, 1947, she married Loren Pagels in Papillion. The couple shared a sense of pride in contributing to their country during the Korean Conflict, both working at the Mead Ordinance plant. Throughout her career, Norma dedicated her talents to various roles, including positions at Graybeal’s Foods, Wimmer’s Meat Products, a bakery, and the West Point News. Her work ethic and commitment were evident in every endeavor.
A woman of faith, Norma was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She also actively participated as a member in the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries. Norma and Loren reveled in travel and camping adventures across the country. Winters were spent basking in the warmth of South Padre Island, TX, and other travels included reuniting with Loren’s Navy buddies. One of Norma’s unique qualities was her meticulous record-keeping. She documented every stop on their journeys, compiling a diary that not only recounted their adventures but also served as a guide to the best places to eat along the way. Norma could be found reading the newspaper corner to corner or with her latest book from the library.
Survivors include her children and their families,
Daughter, Nancy (Richard) Reppert
Chad Reppert
Kari (Ryan) Penrose—Riley Penrose, Peyton Penrose, Kendyll Penrose
Kelly (Bob) Leeper—Zoey Leeper, Stella Leeper, Vivian Leeper
Brian (Tara) Reppert—Layne Reppert, Audra Reppert
Son, Lynn Pagels (deceased)
Becky (Mick) McGee – Josh McGee, Cody (Kelsi) McGee and their children Brook and Brynn, Austin McGee, Brent McGee
Molly Pagels
Rachel (Joe) Sutko
Daughter, Diane (deceased) (Bob) Greckel
Melissa (Mitchell-deceased) Davis
Angie (John) Arthur – Avery Arthur, Hattie Arthur, Sadie Arthur
Amy (Sean) Coffey – twins Luke and Carter Coffey, Blair Coffey
Daughter, Susan (Greg) Molina
Connor Molina
Daughter, Barbara (Clint) Poppe
Adam Poppe—Derek Poppe, Jacob Poppe, Rose Poppe, Sophia Poppe
John (Shawna) Poppe—Jaxson Poppe, Aviana Poppe
Clint Jr. (Laura) Poppe—Cade Poppe
And Sister-in-law, Elveria Thietje
Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Loren Pagels on July 20, 2011; son, Lynn Pagels on February 1, 2017; daughter, Diane Greckel on October 21, 2017; parents, Ralph and Florence Walraven; sisters, Viola Ruppert, Marjorie Jones, Wilma Soderbeck, Shirley Rall; brothers, Marlin Walraven, Donald Walraven; sister-in-law, Delores (Walter) Meyer; and brother-in-law, Gordys “Butch” Thietje.