Debra Jean Pagel, age 62, of Altamont, Illinois passed away at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Gieseking Funeral Home in Altamont, Illinois. Rev. Dr. Jim Wright will be officiating. There will be a visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may go to HSHS Hospice, The Giving Plate, Crossroads Cancer Center, or donor's choice.

Pagel Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.

Deb was born on August 22, 1958 in Paxton, Illinois, the daughter of Alvin Higgs and Lorene E. (Campe) Schroeder. She married Danny R. Pagel on July 31, 1982 in Altamont, Illinois. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was an avid crafter. Deb loved antiques, watching hummingbirds, canning, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a very caring person and always enjoyed helping people.

She is survived by her mother, Lorene Schroeder of Altamont, Illinois; husband, Danny Pagel of Altamont, Illinois; daughters, Dianna Miller (husband Tim) of Altamont, Illinois, Danielle Pagel of Altamont, Illinois, and Dawn Pagel of Altamont, Illinois; brothers, Garry Higgs (wife Sandy) of Stratford, Connecticut and Michael Higgs of Altamont, Illinois; sister, Sheryl Hendryx (husband Tom) of Loves Park, Illinois; 6 grandchildren, Kayla Sain, Tabitha Higgs, Gauge Miller, Jade Latta, Kadyn Potter, Kayliana Corder; 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her dad, Elvin "Butch" Schroeder; father, Alvin Higgs; sister, Karen Kay Schroeder.