Raymond "Ray" B. Pagel Jr.

Raymond “Ray” B. Pagel, Jr. was born on 8/10/1931 to Raymond and Lily Muth Pagel. He passed away on 3/8/2025 at Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf from complications of end stage Polycythemia Vera at the age of 93 with his daughter by his side. He was both proud and amazed at his age. Ray grew up on a small farm in Montpelier, Iowa. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Buffalo, Iowa (Buffalo #5) until eighth grade and graduated from Davenport High School. Following graduation, Ray enlisted in the army and was stationed in Korea. He was a proud veteran and loved to wear his flag shirts. He could still recite his army ID number. Ray married Patricia Stanley on October 6,1956 and had one daughter, Susan. Ray worked at Bendix (later became Litton) for 29 ½ years where he was the supervisor of the test equipment lab. He had an amazing work ethic and loved going to work every day. After his retirement, Ray was a devoted grandpa to his grandson, Nick. He taught him many things and patiently nurtured his curious mind and love of learning.

Ray was a lifelong member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He was previously a member of the Elks, the Moose, and the American Legion. He was a regular blood donor for many years. Ray was a Star Trek fan and liked to watch the old western shows on TV. He loved ice cream, coffee, Yoplait yogurt, and never met a cookie he didn’t like (especially fig newtons). He took great pride in his hair and hardly had any grey. When he was 16, he traveled by motorcycle with a buddy to every state east of the Mississippi River. He loved to tell stories of this adventure and of his childhood years in Montpelier, Iowa. He enjoyed photography with his Canon camera and inspired his daughter to embark on this hobby and Canon cameras. He was very proud of his daughter and grandson and never hesitated to share that with others.

Ray was well-liked by all who knew him, and he will be remembered as one of the kindest, humblest, and most gracious individuals. He was the best dad a daughter could have and loved his family unconditionally. During the last few years of his life, he faced many health challenges but always remained very determined and positive. Thank you to his medical team (Dr. Binkley, Dr. Short, Dr. Sy, Dr. Coyne, Dr. Fayyaz, Dr. Foreman, and Dr. Robken) who no doubt helped him reach the age of 93. Special thanks also to his care team: his physical therapist, Debbie; his home health assistant, Tillie; staff at Palmer Hills Independent Living Community, staff at The Summit Physical Rehab, and the Clarissa Cook Hospice Home. There will be no funeral services at Ray’s request. There will be a military burial at the Arsenal Cemetery. Enjoy your favorite ice cream in celebration of Ray’s meaningful life. He would love that. Please share your condolences with family at www.rungemortuary.com.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Sue (Pagel) Wood, of Davenport; his wife, Patricia, of Bettendorf, his grandson, Nick, of Silvis, IL., his son-in-law, Marty, of Omaha, and his beloved Siberian cat, Cate, who was a birthday present from his daughter 14 years ago. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters (Arlene and Gertrude) who died before he was born, and his sister, Mary Pagel Kruger (and brother-in-law, John Kruger).