Marie L. Pagel
Age 97, of Monticello, died Monday, May 19, 2025, at her home following a short illness. Marie was born on December 7, 1927 in Mt. Horeb, WI, the daughter of George and Louise (Roder) Neuenschwander. She graduated from Monroe High School (at age 17), Green County Normal School, and earned a degree in Education from U.W. Platteville. Marie was united in marriage to Daryl M. Pagel on December 26, 1948 at Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe. The couple farmed in Juda, Albany, and for many years in Washington Township. Marie taught at Poplar Grove, Jordan Prairie, and Dividing Ridge Rural Schools before teaching mainly 4th grade at New Glarus Elementary School for 28 years before retiring.
Marie was an active member of Washington Reformation United Church of Christ, Green County Retired Teachers, Albany Homemakers, and was a 4-H leader for several years. She loved to play cards in a variety of card clubs (euchre, bridge, jass, you name, she played it!) She was a very proud member of the New Glarus Historical Society where she was a regular tour guide for over 20 years. Marie enjoyed trips with the Behring Senior Center to White Pines and The Fireside. She traveled all over Europe, Australia, and all 50 states. She was known to make the best Apple Pie! Above all else, Marie loved spending time with her family and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by a daughter, Joyce Hummel of Monticello; son-in-law, Raymond Forney of Forreston, Il; grandchildren, Julie (Earnie) Ruegsegger, Steve (Minara) Hummel, Robert (Stephanie) Forney, Lisa Forney, Raymond Wayne (Doreen) Forney; great-grandchildren, Ryan (Krysta) Ruegsegger, David Ruegsegger (Allison Streck), Tommy Wood, Alaya Hummel (Noah Dalsing), Brock Hummel, Jaydan Hummel (Nick Strasburg), Daniel Forney, CJ Forney, Brayden Forney, Tim Forney, Chris (Miranda) Forney; great great-grandchildren, Parker and Ruby Marie Ruegsegger, Madylin Forney. She is further survived by sisters-in-law, Rosemarie Pagel, Mary Harrison, Karen Pagel; and many nieces, nephews, special friends, and many former students.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Daryl, on Jan. 15, 2013; daughter, Janice Forney; son-in-law, Larry Hummel; sisters, Ruth (Ernie) Wegmueller, Hazel (Leon) Rufer, Norma (Bob) DeVoe; and sister and brothers-in-law, Doris (Clynt) Seffrood, Leonard Harrison, Allan and David Pagel.
A celebration of Marie’s life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Washington Reformation United Church of Christ with Julie Ruegsegger officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Washington Church Cemetery. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Marie’s name to Green County Retired Teachers, Monticello Excellence in Education, or Washington Church. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
