Alvin J. (Jack) Pagel

Alvin John (Jack) Pagel, 85, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Jack was born in Two Rivers on June 9, 1936 to Alvin and Gladys (Hansen) Pagel, and graduated from Washington High School in June of 1954. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school and worked as an aviation electrician and instrument technician and flew as an electronics countermeasures operator until he was honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 1958. He joined the U.S. Air Force in September, 1958 and served until being honorably discharged in 1962. He continued to work as a civil servant for the Air Force, working as a metrologist at the Newark Air Force Base in Ohio.

While living in Ohio, Jack completed his associate's degree in Arts and Sciences from the Ohio State University and served in the Air National Guard at Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio, for many years. He was a flight instructor working at two local airports in Ohio and was known as a daredevil when flying, often performing tricks in the air. When he was 80, his son-in-law gave him a ride on the back of his Harley-Davidson and his grin was unforgettable. Upon returning to Two Rivers, he was employed at Paragon Electric and Lube Devices. Jack was an avid coin collector. In his younger years he enjoyed camping and fishing with his children in Ohio. In October, 2002, he married the love of his life, Shirley Chase, at which time he gained 4 more children. Shirley preceded him in death in September, 2010. Watching his grandchildren in their sporting events was one of his greatest joys. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, notably Raessa and Elise Miller, who spent hours visiting with him watching old Western movies.

He is survived by his son John (Julie) Pagel, and his daughter, Lori (Jay) Wince, both of Ohio; his step-children: Duane (Bonnie) Chase of Newald, WI, Ray (Sara) Chase of Shoto, WI, Karen Schock of Manitowoc, WI, and Eileen (Barry) Miller of Francis Creek, WI; nine grandchildren: Shane (Heather) Chase, and their children, James and Gabe; Sandra (Eric) Junot, and son Collin; Kyle Novack; Emily (Michael) Werner; Kimberly (Matt) Gunderson and children Broc, Brant, Bree Maertz; Zac (Michiela) Miller, and daughter Maelyn; Raessa and Elise Miller; and three great-great grandchildren. He is further survived by one brother: Gene (Jan) Pagel and a sister, Donna Parker; and other brother-laws and sister-in-laws.

Besides his wife and parents, Jack was preceded in death by a younger brother, Jerry Pagel.

The family will greet friends and relatives for a memorial visitation at Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th Street, Two Rivers, from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. Monday evening, August 30, 2021. The evening will conclude with shared memories from family members at 6:00 o'clock. Military graveside honors will then be accorded at the funeral home by members of American Legion Post #165 and VFW Post #1248 of Two Rivers. Cremation has taken place.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Pagel family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Yetter and his staff at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Care Center and the caregivers of Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion given to Jack throughout his illness. Your kindness is very much appreciated.