Gerald W. Pagenkopf

Gerald W. Pagenkopf, 74, of Green Valley, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, with family by his side. Gerald was born on Nov. 26, 1947, to the late Arthur and Alvina (Hintz) Pagenkopf in Oconto Falls. He spent his childhood on the family farm, attended Grandview Elementary School, and graduated from Gillett High School in 1965. Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1967 and was stationed at Naval Station Pearl Harbor until 1971. On May 11, 1968, Gerald married Ann Schaal and they spent 54 years together.

After leaving the Navy, Gerald and Ann returned to Wisconsin. He attended Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s auto mechanic program and received his associate’s degree in 1973. Gerald worked as a mechanic until 1978 when he and Ann bought the Pagenkopf Family Farm. He became the fifth generation of Pagenkopf sons to own and work the farm. In 1988, they sold the cows and Gerald started working off the farm as a maintenance mechanic for several different companies until his retirement in 2010.

Gerald was a faithful and active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Green Valley, serving on many church boards and participating in the choir. He was also a member of American Legion Post 300. Gerald loved music and was an avid amateur musician. He could play many instruments including the accordion, guitar, piano, trombone, and French horn. In high school, Gerald participated in the marching band. He was one half of the two man polka band, Harbor Lights, providing lead vocals and playing various instruments.

Gerald enjoyed building tinkering, and carpentry. He was a jack of all trades with a large tool collection. Gerald greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed movies and playing cards. He also had a sweet tooth and loved all desserts, especially chocolate. Gerald will be remembered as a quiet guy with an easy smile and a man of few words.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Ann; three children, William Jake (Tammy), Jessica (David) Daul, and Gerrod (Cole); four grandchildren, Henry, Sawyer, Sasha, and Elizabeth; and two sisters, Karen (Arthur) Langhoff and Kay Pagenkopf. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Zip and Liz Schaal.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, W1294 Nauman Road, Cecil, from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor John Laatsch officiating. Gerald will be interred at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of Unity Hospice, especially Leah, Sarah, and Cheryl, for the wonderful care and compassion offered to Gerald and his family during their time of need.