In loving memory of Harry Pagels - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Harry Pagels, 82, died peacefully, July 15, 2020 at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages with His wife at his side and loving support from family, friends and an “outstanding extended family” on Avenida De Las Casas. He was born in Hamburg, Germany on February 7, 1938. In 1956, at the age of 18 immigrated to US with his mother, brother, sister, and stepfather.

Harry served his country in the US Marine Corps active duty from 1956-1959 and Inactive duty 1959-1962 at which point he was Honorably discharged in August of 1962. In 1959 Harry was proud to become a citizen of the US and has served his country well. From 1960-1962 he attended Electronic Engineering School in Detroit, MI. After graduating he was hired by Boeing (Aerospace Division) in Great Falls, MT, installing and testing the Minute Man Missile Systems. From 1968-1994 he worked for Univac in Roseville MN. Testing large scale computer systems. He later traveled worldwide as a Technical Support Specialist installing and troubleshooting these systems. In 1976 Harry married Patricia Ann Ferdelman. He was a Member of the Kansas City, MO Lodge No. 26 B.P.O. Elks and Lewistown, MT Lodge No. 456 B.P.O. Elks.

Harry fulfilled a lifetime dream when at the age of 56 he retired. In 1998 he purchased his first motorhome and along with his wife became “snowbirds” traveling the warm climates of the US in the winter months. A favorite destination was SSK RV Resort in the Florida Keys where they met and spent many seasons with their “winter snowbird Family”. He started everyday walking 5 miles while observing nature and the beauty of this tropical paradise. Watching the sun set in Key West at Mallory square was the perfect end to any day.

In 2008 he settled into The Villages in FL as winter snowbirds, returning to their lake home in Garrison, MN for the summer months. Harry and Patricia became full time residents in 2014 where he enjoyed every day in the sun; walking, golfing, polo matches, pool time, exercising at the MVP club, Flamingo Happy hours with neighbors, and dancing the night away under the stars at Spanish Springs Square.

He is preceded in death by his Mother- Gertrude Budzyn (Pagels) Rodriguez; Stepfather Rudolph Rodriguez, Father- Friedrich Pagels, Brothers- Bruno Pagels and Rudolph Rodriguez.

Harry is survived by Patricia Ann Pagels, his beloved wife of 44 years, of The Villages, FL; Daughter- Tamara (Wes) Slagle of Longville, MN; Son- Troy Ferdelman of North Branch, MN; Grandchildren- Eryn Jean, Alyssa Elizabeth, Jack James, Ericka Patricia; Sisters- Sibylle (Bill) Post of Lake Arrowhead, CA and Jonika (Ben) Swan of Colorado Springs, CO; Sister-in-law- Linda Rodriguez of Tyler, Texas; Numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Harry’s name to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation 2445 Lane Park Road Tavares, FL 32778 http://cshospice.org/foundation/giving/