William "Bill" Pagel

William "Bill" Pagel, age 84, of Newport News, passed away on September 6th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 11, 1941, in Flandreu SD, he was the son of the late Charles and Leila Pagel.

Bill was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Karen, for 57 years and a devoted father to K.Lynne and Kori.

After graduating from Augustana University in Sioux Falls SD, Bill pursued a career in teaching. Ultimately teaching middle school science, computers and then technology for over 40 years. His students have reached out over the years to thank him for inspiring them to pursue science, teaching and just being a wonderful mentor.

Bill and Karen moved to Crownpoint NM and then to Alamogordo NM where they lived for nearly 50 years. In 2023 they moved across the country to Virginia, to be near their daughter K.Lynne. She was so happy to have them close by after so many years and Kori, who lives in Boston, was delighted to be able to catch a brief flight in order to see them much more often.

Bill loved the outdoors and inspired that same love in his children and grandchildren. He loved to hike, and was often seen on trails in and around Alamogordo. He cross country skied in the mountains near Cloudcroft and loved to play tennis. When he wasn't outside, he found so many ways to entertain himself, particularly in the summer months when he wasn't teaching. He loved to read, create beautiful works of art, making sticks into snakes, making replicas of flint lock guns, painting rocks with petroglyph images, and even learned how to chip arrowheads.

Ultimately his greatest love though was his family. He met his beloved Karen while they were both serving in VISTA in Colorado. Making her laugh and feel cherished were what he did best, but he also loved a good prank and enjoyed "playing dead" in the living room, when she and the girls came home from running errands. He always acted a bit indignant when they simply stepped over him on their way into the house. He found many ways to spend time with K.Lynne and Kori, whether it be hobbies, sports or hiking in the local area. They were truly the apples of his eye. He loved being a grandfather to Ryan, Jacob, Cade, Austin and Evan and absolutely loved having them visit and visiting them. He also just three weeks ago welcomed his first great grand-daughter Isla. We know he would have adored getting to know her. It cannot be overstated how much he loved his sons-in-law, Randy and Brad whom he always felt confident were good husbands and fathers, but also who he just loved to be around.

Bill is survived by his cherished wife Karen, his daughter K.Lynne and her husband Randy, his daughter Kori and her husband Brad, his grandchildren Ryan, Jacob, Cade, Austin and Evan, and great grand-daughter Isla. He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Sally Foss and Pam Palmer (and brother-in-law David), and his nephews Eric Foss (Nancy), Kris Palmer (Maki), Ky Palmer and niece Jennifer Swasey (Mark) and all their children. He was pre-deceased by his parents Charles and Leila, and by his brother-in-law Mike (Sally)

All are welcome to join the family for Bill's funeral on Tuesday September 9th at 4 pm at Little's Funeral Home in Smithfield (there will be a live stream for those not in the local area), followed by the burial at Mill Swamp Cemetery, where the Baha'i Prayer for the Dead will be recited.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com