Olivia J. Pagel of Mequon, WI, known to her family and friends as "Jean," peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Lawlis Family Hospice surrounded by her family. She was 86 years old.

Jean was born in Highland Park, MI, on October 30, 1936, and was the first born daughter of Norval and Catherine (Hornby) Lambert. On July 2, 1955, she was united in marriage with Robert L. Pagel at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Paris, WI. The couple settled in Grafton, WI, where Jean raised their four children before becoming a dental hygienist. Robert and Jean moved to Mequon in 1980, and would live in both Billings, MT, and Marion, WI before returning to Mequon permanently in 1998. Robert was the love of her life, and sadly preceded her in death in 2006.

Jean was fiercely loyal and dedicated to her family. She found great joy and happiness in spending time with her children and grandchildren. Jean shared her creativity and love of crafts with everyone, and was frequently found painting beach rocks, weaving wreaths, knitting, sewing, and creating stained glass artwork. Jean's homemade bread was a staple at the family's dinner table each week, as were her cookies every Christmas. Jean took great pride in designing, building, and decorating her homes and tending to her flower gardens. She enjoyed watching wildlife, living on the water, and being outdoors–especially during autumn. She was an avid deer hunter and looked forward to both archery and gun season, hunting every year until her passing.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children Robert (Jan Martinson) Pagel, Jr., David (Anne) Pagel, Christopher (Juliet) Pagel, and Deborah (Steve) Ott. She is further survived by her sister Merlyn (the late Roger) Skold, brother George (Mary) Lambert, her grandchildren Halee (Adam Garnica) Pagel, R. Kyle Pagel, Madeline Pagel, David Pagel, Stacy (Cayanne) Ott, and Jesse (Rachel) Ott, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Pagel, Sr., and brother, Allan Lambert.

A memorial service for Jean will be held at 5:30PM on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Eernisse Funeral Home (1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI). The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Monday, November 6, from 3:30-5:30PM. Everyone is invited and encouraged to join the family for dinner immediately following the service, at the same location. Jean will be laid to rest beside her husband during a private ceremony at Resurrection Cemetery, in Mequon.

If desired, memorials in Jean's name may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Wisconsin Chapter (  https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/WIG/Donate  ). Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.