Mary Ann Pagel

Mary Ann Pagel, 93, of Zumbrota, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at her home. She was born May 8, 1933 in rural Zumbrota to George and Marie (Cordes) Fogelson. She grew up on the family farm, attended country school, and graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1951. After high school, she worked as a switch board operator for the Zumbrota Telephone Company. On May 29, 1954, she married Duane Pagel at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. Mary Ann shared a loving partnership with Duane for 72 years. Together they raised two children, Patty and Dean, and built a life centered on family, faith and community. A devoted homemaker, Mary Ann took great pride in caring for her gardens and flowers, preserving vegetables, and baking countless treats to share with others. She taught her children and grandchildren all about country living. She and Duane enjoyed nearly daily walks together and enjoyed square dancing, making many special memories along the way. In 2005 Mary Ann and Duane moved to Zumbrota where they continued to take their daily walks, and cared for their yard. They also found great joy in watching their great-grandchildren grow. Mary Ann was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church, where her faith was evident in the many ways she served others. She taught Sunday School and was a longtime member of the Ladies Aid. She was also a past member of the Goodhue County Fair Board. Above all else, Mary Ann loved her family. She never missed a birthday, and always made sure each one knew how much she loved them. 

Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 72 years, Duane; daughter, Pat (Tom) Krauter of Cannon Falls; son, Dean (Sharon) Pagel of Mazeppa; 6 grandchildren, Nicole (Clint) Anderson, Emily (Mike) Knutson, Elizabeth (Justin) Taube, Heather (Corey) Ryan, Brandon (Jenifer) Pagel, and Lucas Pagel; 13 great-grandchildren, Brooke, Cody, Ethan, Isabella, Claire, Aubrey, Eloise, Owen, Calvin, Madison, Skylar, Isaac, and William; her sister-in-law, Arlene Knutson of Pine Island; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruth Rude; brother, Wayne Fogelson; brothers-in-law, Orville Rude and Owen Knutson. 

A private service will be held with Pastor Robbin Robbert officiating. Burial in Zumbrota Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church. Mahn Family Funeral Home- Larson Chapel in Zumbrota is entrusted with arrangements. www.MahnFamilyFuneralHome.com