Joan B. (Claflin) Pagels, 82, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away at Golden Living Center Dorchester on August 2, 2015.  She was born October 23, 1932, in Door County to Roy and Esther (Vetter) Claflin.  Joan was the great-great-granddaughter of Increase Claflin, who was the first white settler in Door County.

After high school, Joan worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Paulsen in Sturgeon Bay. She had also worked at the Wisconsin Food and Fruit Growers Cherry Factories, and as a housekeeper for The Rushes and Alpine Resort.  She married Arthur Pagels, Jr. on September 12, 1953, at Salem Lutheran Church, he passed away on April 15, 1990.

Joan loved going to the stock car races to watch her son Scott race.  She also loved to listen to the bands her son Mark played in when he was younger.  Joan especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include three children, Margaret Pagels, Sturgeon Bay; Mark (Darlene) Pagels,  Anahuac, TX; Scott (Traci) Pagels, Egg Harbor; three grandchildren, Travis (Jodi) Pagels, Kristin (Trent) Hart, Austin Pagels; five great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Ryan, Tyler, Kyla and Addison; two sisters, Becky Ahlswede and Diane (Peter) Beyer; sister-in-law Janet Claflin; and her dog BoDiddley. She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, Keith and Aaron (Mary) Claflin; a sister Betty (Allan) Madoche; brother in-law Marvin Ahlswede.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at Salem Lutheran Church with the Rev. John Seelman officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Friends may call on Thursday from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Forbes Funeral Home and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

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