Gene Pageler, 68, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.  Reverend Steven Broers will officiate. Burial with military honors provided by the Heeren-McHale-Wilkens American Legion Post 724 of Brunsville will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Le Mars.  A time of lunch and visiting will be at the Heeren-McHale-Wilkens American Legion Post 724 in Brunsville immediately following the committal service.  Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials can be directed to the Heeren-McHale-Wilkens American Legion Post 724 in Brunsville.

Gene Brian Pageler, the son of Alvin and Shirley (Baack) Pageler, was born on August 31, 1957, in Le Mars, Iowa.  He attended school in Le Mars and graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1975.  He attended Northwest Community College in Sheldon where he graduated with a carpentry degree on May 1, 1976.

Following his schooling, he farmed with his father.  He worked part time at Harker's Distribution in Le Mars.  He worked for Wells in Le Mars until his retirement after 40 years of service.

Gene served honorably in the National Guard until his discharge.  Following his discharge, he was an active member of the Heeren-McHale-Wilkens American Legion Post 724 in Brunsville where he was a past Commander.  He also helped with many events at the legion including funeral honor guards.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars where he had served as a deacon and church council member.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and traveling.  He also enjoyed fishing and bowling.  His greatest joy was socializing with his many friends.

Survivors include his brother, Gary Pageler; his nephew, Justin Pageler and his daughter, Gracie; a niece, Ashley (Matt) Brienzo and their son, Jacob; and several cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Fred and Sena Pageler; maternal grandparents, George and Ruth Baack; and two uncles, Kenneth Baack and John Baack.