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Emma Jeanette (Garlets) Pagels, age 81, of Sturgis, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, May 1, 2011, at Thurston Woods Village.
She was born to Harry L. and Ruby O. (Boyd) Garlets on July 31, 1929, in South Bend, Ind.
On Aug. 23, 1953, Emma married Norman F. Pagels at the United Methodist Church in Mongo, Ind.
Emma graduated from Mongo High School in 1947 and was a Sturgis resident since 1958. She worked for the Sears store for 23 years. She had been a 4-H leader in both Indiana and Michigan, a Cub Scout den mother, and a Girl Scout leader. In 1950, she was chosen to represent the State of Indiana at the National 4-H Leader Camp. She was a member of Mongo United Methodist Church, Mongo Methodist Women’s Organization, Sturgis Tops #248, Three Rivers C.A.R. Club, Michiana Christian Women’s Club, and life member of Jack Johnson Chapter 88 Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.
Emma is survived by her husband, Norman Pagels; two sons, John Pagels of Palm Springs, Calif., and Bruce Pagels of Sturgis; one daughter, Kristie Pagels of Sturgis; six grandchildren, Charity Bergstrom, Jay Perrault, Victoria Jones, Holly McClure, Jenni Palmer, and Tiffany Pagels; three great-granddaughters, Ivy Rose Pagels, Ingrid Grace Bergstrom, and Alydia Jeanette Palmer; two great-grandsons, Danielle McClure and Matt Jones; and two brothers, Jerry Garlets and Donovan Garlets; and one sister, Janice Garlets.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; one son, Dennis Brian Pagels who died in 1987; one daughter, Julie Anne Schroeder who died in 2008; two brothers, Allan Garlets and Gilbert Garlets; and one sister, Shirley Lint.
She takes with her the love of many family and friends and leaves behind many precious memories for all.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The memorial service celebrating the life of Emma Pagels will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Mongo United Methodist Church, State Road 3, Mongo, Ind. The Rev. James Bartlet will officiate. A graveside committal will be held Wednesday May 25, 2011, at the Sturgis Memorial Gardens at 2 p.m.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, (269) 651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements.
