Eva E. Pagel

Eva Pagel passed away peacefully September 14, 2024 at the Richard Nau Hospice House in Longview, Washington at the age of 93. 

Eva was born in Berlin, Germany to Herbert and Edith Neugebauer . She grew up with two younger brothers, Günther and Horst. They had a happy childhood albeit moving to different towns throughout Germany, due to her father’s career as an engineer with Siemens. 

Her life was changed as a young girl by World War II. At 16 years old, Eva endured the anguish of losing her mother while at the same time her father was in Russia as a prisoner of war. She was immediately mother and father to her younger brothers until 1948 when her father finally returned from Russia. Post WW II Germany was not easy to navigate. She persevered and found a way to attend college to study medical technology. She embraced many adventures including working as an au pair in London. After London, she started her career in Karlsruhe, where she met Horst Pagel. 

In January 1957, Eva followed her fiancé, Horst, to the United States of America. They were married the same year in Calgary, Alberta, where his brother and family lived. They were blessed with two children, a boy, Fred, in 1965 and a girl, Margret, in 1967. Fred died tragically in a car accident in 1986. Margret lives and works in Chicago.

Horst and Eva moved throughout the United States over the years which required adapting professionally. In California Eva returned to the medical technology field, in Dallas as a research technologist at the University of Texas; and in Columbus, Ohio she worked as a transplant technologist. Eva advanced to Histocompatibility Specialist as her final position before retirement from The Ohio State University Hospital.

Horst and Eva returned and retired in Longview, WA, in 1993 because it was conveniently equidistant to the ocean and the mountains, which they adored. Eva had a great appreciation for being outside in nature and beauty. She especially enjoyed being surrounded by beautiful flowers. Eva had a passion for listening to classical music, and reading and learning about healthy living. 

Eva loved her adopted country which allowed her to create and live the life of her dreams and she was so grateful to meet many wonderful people and developing life-long friendships. 

The last few years brought severe health issues, however due to her strength and resilience she was able to maintain life at home as normal as possible for herself and her beloved husband. 

 A memorial service will be led by her nephew, Pastor Peter Pagel, on Wednesday, October 2nd at 2pm at the Steele Chapel, 5050 Mt.Solo Road, Longview, WA.

The family would like to thank their friends and neighbors for their care and support.

 Donations could be made in her honor to Peace Health Richard Nau Hospice House or a charity of choice.