Carroll Melvin Pagel

Carroll Melvin Pagel, age 87, of Benson, Minnesota, died Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at CentraCare-Benson Hospital in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, July 11. 2024, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will continue from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Friday, July 12, 2024, at the church, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. Interment will be in the Benson City Cemetery.

Carroll Melvin Pagel was born April 27, 1937, in Amiret Township, Lyon County, Minnesota, to Verner and Lula (Schnoor) Pagel. He was baptized on July 3, 1938, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tracy, Minnesota. Carroll grew up in the Amiret/Tracy area and attended school until ninth grade. His father decided Carroll did not need any more school and could work for a living with area farmers. In 1955, at age 17, Carroll moved to Benson with his family because it was better farmland. He continued to work for area farmers and on his dad’s farm, as well as taking on the hobby of raising sheep.

In 1960, Carroll was drafted to the United States Army, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. For two years he served his country, working as an Engineer Equipment Repairman and then went into the Army Reserves until 1966.

In 1965, Carroll’s friend from the army set him up on a blind date with Janice Lachelt. June 18, 1966, Carroll and Janice were married at Zion Lutheran Church, Tyro Township, Boyd, Minnesota. They were blessed with 58 years of marriage.

Carroll worked as a mechanic for Benson Machine until 1969 and then went to work at the Swift County Highway Department from 1969-1999.

Carroll and Jan lived on a farm west of Benson, farming the land, raising pigs, and eventually, Black Angus cattle, ducks, geese, cats, and dogs were also added for the kids.

In his early years of marriage, and then later in retirement years, Carroll traveled to many places throughout the country. He enjoyed restoring his mom’s 1950 Plymouth as well as several tractors. He also collected toy tractors and caps. His collections of both were extensive.

Carroll belonged to the Putts and Purr Tractor Club, American Legion, and was an active member at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Many mornings and afternoons, you could find Carroll at Sandy’s Café spending time with his coffee buddies. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending all the various activities they were involved in.

Carroll passed away on July 2, 2024, at the age of 87, in the CentraCare-Benson Hospital surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Janice; their three children: Alicia (Jason) Walton of West Lakeland, MN, Alan (Janet) Pagel of Benson, MN, and Arnold Pagel of Benson, MN; seven grandchildren: Matthew Walton (friend Summer), Ashley Walton, Victoria Pagel (fiancé Hunter Petersen), Kimberly Pagel (friend Gavin), Joey Pagel, Katie Rose, and Kellie Pagel; sister Alice Beekman; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents Verner and Lula Pagel; sister Evelyn Hively; and brothers-in-law Ray Hively and Lawrence Beekman.

Zniewski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements