Phyllis Jeanette Pagel

Phyllis Jeanette Pagel, 94 of Grayling, formerly of Gaylord and Lewiston, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Crawford Continuing Care Center.

Born in Oxford, Michigan on October 29, 1931, she was the daughter of Mathew and Gladys (Barber) Mersino. After graduating from Oxford High School in Oxford, Michigan, Phyllis went on to take business courses as well as work at The Sarah Fisher Orphanage. Often, she would bring children from this orphanage home to her parents' farm. Her business skills would be put to good use when she moved north later in life.

On September 1, 1951, Phyllis married Harold Pagel at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion. She spent 60 incredible years with the love of her life. They made their home for many years in Oxford, eventually welcoming four children. They also lived for a time in Attica where many life-long friendships were established. While living in Attica, Phyllis worked in the elementary cafeteria and also weathered the cold in the muck fields of Imlay City to pick potatoes. She was a hard worker who taught her children how to can, sew, garden and play games! Her homemade Halloween costumes were extraordinary and that was not only for her children, but also for her and Harold when they attended adult Halloween parties. The family will always remember Harold as Bugs Bunny and Phyllis as Yosemite Sam. Phyllis had a great sense of humor combined with a feisty attitude.

In 1966 the family moved to Gaylord, where they became members of St. Mary Catholic Church. Phyllis began work as the secretary at St. Mary School, eventually becoming parish secretary. She worked there for many years and for many different priests while her husband owned and operated his own welding business. Both Harold and Phyllis loved participating in theater/drama at St. Mary's where they wore makeup, skated on roller skates, and dressed to the nines sometimes holding umbrellas as they sang. After retirement, she and Harold moved to Lewiston where they were active members at St. Francis of Assisi parish. Harold was custodian of the parish while Phyllis was secretary for the 50's club and also volunteered for Bingo and other church-related events. They really enjoyed their years in both the choirs at St. Mary in Gaylord and St. Francis of Assisi parish in Lewiston.

In her spare time, Phyllis enjoyed reading, gardening, painting, remodeling, playing the piano as well as listening to all types of music and dancing up a storm. She loved to ride her bicycle into her late 70's and also enjoyed hiking. Often, she exercised at the Workout center in Lewiston. Most of all, she enjoyed being with family and friends. She loved playing cards or games. If someone asked her if she wanted to play, her response was, "SURE, let's do it!" Her biggest joys were celebrations and holidays with family and friends. It meant everything to her to have everyone come to her home.

Whether in Oxford or Gaylord, Phyllis made sure her love of water was passed to her children, teaching them to water ski and swim. She made sure there were many lake vacations that included extended family and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Harold and her sons: Brian, Mark and David; her parents, Mathew and Gladys Mersino; brothers, Mathew, Harold, Donald, Richard, Howard and Dennis Mersino; sisters, Bernice Jozwik, Patsie Mersino, and Vivian Joan Pincumbe; brothers-in-law, Frank Jozwik, and Richard Pincumbe; sisters-in-law, Ardise Mersino, Helen Mersino, Joyce Mersino, and Laura Mersino; and many other beloved family members.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jim Riling of Johannesburg; a daughter-in-law, Kay Pagel of Holland; and a former daughter-in-law, Marlene Pagel of Gaylord; Grandchildren: Andrew, Anna, Alissia (Eric Lingaur), Abbey and Allen (Anna) Riling; Amanda (Scott McKenzie) and Chad (Angela) Pagel; Greg Pagel, Kristina (Chris Beccari), Lucas (Renee) Pagel, Samatha Pagel (Brian Miller), and Jordan (Jesse Chaffin). Phyllis had 12 Grandchildren and 23 Great Grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, at 4:30 PM. The family will receive family and friends for a visitation from 1:00 - 4:30 PM. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in her memory to Crawford Continuing Care Center (for resident activities).

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/phyllis-pagel