Longtime Garvin Resident Darrell Pagel Passes Away at 85

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Darrell Dean Pagel, an 85-year-old resident of Garvin, Minnesota, passed away on February 28, 2026. Pagel was known for his lifelong dedication to farming, his service in the Vietnam War, and his deep commitment to his family. Funeral services will be held on March 7, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton.

Why it matters

Pagel's passing marks the end of an era for the close-knit farming community of Garvin, where he was a well-respected and active member for decades. His story reflects the experiences of many rural Minnesotans who served in the Vietnam War and then returned home to continue their lives as hardworking farmers and family men.

The details

Pagel was born to Emil 'Sam' and Viona (Dunteman) Pagel and was the oldest of four children. He attended school in Amiret and Tracy before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he served from 1963 to 1965, mostly stationed in Germany. In 1966, Pagel met his wife Kathryn 'Kay' Knutsen, and they were married the following year. Together, they had three sons - Bradley, Brian, and Emil. Pagel dedicated much of his working life to dairy farming, helping neighbors, and caring for the land he deeply respected.

• Darrell Pagel passed away on February 28, 2026.
• Funeral services will be held on March 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton.
• Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on March 7, 2026 at the church.
• Pagel was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served from 1963 to 1965.
• Pagel married Kathryn 'Kay' Knutsen in 1967.

What’s next

Darrell Pagel will be laid to rest with military honors at the Amiret Cemetery following the funeral service on March 7, 2026.