Gregory David Pagel, age 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 10, 2026, after a brave nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Gregory was born on May 17, 1953, in Athens, Georgia to the late Kenneth Pagel Sr. and Peggy (Griffeth) Amsler. Greg spent his whole life in Wisconsin.
Greg was a U.S. Air Force veteran, (1972-1976), achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, working on Boeing B-52 heavy bombers at Carswell AFB, Texas. Greg also earned his GED while at Carswell. After serving out his four-year enlistment with the Air Force, Greg had several careers over his lifetime, having worked for Harley-Davidson, and the U.S. Postal Service. Later on, he had his own independent motorcycle repair and sales shop (Rerun Motorcycles), in Sheboygan, for 14 years. He was an expert mechanic. His last job before retiring was as a special needs bus driver for Prigge Bus in Sheboygan.
On May 17, 2014, Greg married his angel, Wendy Kolb, and it was a very good match for both. Wendy shared Greg’s love of motorcycling, riding together as often as they could. enjoying the great back roads that are found in Wisconsin. Greg also rode with his close friend Paul Lukes, having taken several multi-state rides over the years. Greg and Wendy were active members of the Badger Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, participating in many road runs and activities with the club. Over the years, Greg restored several vintage cycles, including a 1936 Harley-Davidson VL, a 1951 Triumph T100 “Tiger 500”, and a rare Honda CB 750 “Sandcast”, to name just a few.
Greg also enjoyed Karaoke nights at local pubs in Sheboygan, singing classics by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and others. He and Wendy were also members of St. John-St. Peter Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Wisconsin.
Greg is survived by wife Wendy, his daughter Carolyn, brother Kenneth Pagel Jr., sisters-in-law Connie Rautmann, LaFaye (Wayne) Herzog, Diana Kolb, and Cyndi Krause. He is further survived by his half-brother Mark Pagel, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephew, cousins and an aunt. Also, his 4-legged companions Cookie and Milk. Thank God for Family.
In addition to his parents, Greg is preceded in death by his brothers-in-law Bill Kolb, Lowell Rautmann and Adam Krause, as well as numerous aunts and uncles.
The family would like to thank Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the excellent care given to Greg, and support of Wendy.
A funeral service honoring Greg’s life will be held at St. John-St Peter Lutheran Church, 1255 Washington Ave in Cleveland, Wisconsin, on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Steven Wall officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The funeral service will be available to view via livestreaming by visiting Greg’s obituary on the funeral home website, just prior to the service.
Burial will take place at St. Johannes Cemetery in Cleveland immediately following service. Greg will receive full military honors for his service in the United States Air Force.
Zimmer Westview Funeral Home is assisting the family. For the full obituary and to share memories and condolences, please visit our website at www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.
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