Helen Mary Pagel, age 99, of New Ulm, died on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the New Ulm City Cemetery, Soldiers Rest Section.

Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Ulm.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Margaret Harpestad of New Ulm and Carolyn Ann (Larry) Earl of New Ulm; her son, Dohn (Cheryl) Pagel of Brainerd; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert; her parents; her daughter, Karen Angfang; her sisters, LaDonna Rodock and Norma Andersen; and her great-grandson, Tyler Montoya.

Helen Mary Andersen was born on February 24, 1927, in New Ulm to Norman and Florence (Wartha) Andersen. She was united in marriage to Delbert Pagel on October 14, 1944, at the St. Mary's Parish House in New Ulm. Together they raised their four children in New Ulm.

Helen worked as a floral designer for more than 20 years before serving as a secretary for New Ulm Public Schools for more than 20 years. She was also the church organist and volunteered in the gift shop at the New Ulm Hospital Auxiliary.

Helen was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters of America, and the Turner Ladies Society.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Oak Hills Living Center and Turner Hall.