Barbara Ann Theel

Barbara Ann (Pageler) Theel, 81, of Alma, Kansas went peacefully to Heaven on August 28, 2025 at home with family at her side under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

She was born on January 18, 1944 in Wamego, Kansas the daughter of Roy and Esther (Niedfeldt) Pageler. She was baptized on March 26, 1944 at the Wells Creek United Evangelical and Reformed Church and then was later confirmed on September 29, 1957. She attended Belvue Grade School and graduated in 1958 with a class of 3 girls. She then attended Wamego High School and graduated in 1962.

In the fall of 1961 Barbara began dating Phillip Theel and they were married on June 2, 1963 at the Wells Creek United Church of Christ. They lived in the Alma area and then for a short time in the Onaga area before settling down back in the Alma area.

In 1963 she became a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Alma. Besides being a homemaker and mother Barbara worked part time for the Carey hatchery northwest of Alma and Alma Cheese. Then she worked as secretary for St. John Lutheran Church for 29 years and was custodian along with her husband for St. John Lutheran School.

Barbara was also a past member of St. John’s Ladies Aid, LWML, and the voters assembly and the Ladies Card Club and the District 3 Community Card Club. She served as a Sunday School teacher and on the alter guild as well as the Lutheran Circuit 8 Sunday School as secretary/treasurer. Barbara also did some volunteer work with her husband for 4-H Shooting Sports, where she served as a certified instructor for the disciplines of air pistol and archery.

Barbara also loved to plant flowers and garden and did some canning and also helped with the farming activities, like helping tend to baby calves and pigs and other pets. She also enjoyed going for rides in the country and sewing.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 62 years Phillip. Her two sons Eric (Stephanie) Theel of Paxico, KS, Ryan Theel of Alma, KS and grandson Thomas Theel of Topeka, KS, a brother Dennis Pageler of Topeka, KS, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and siblings-in-law.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Sister-in-law Evelyn Pageler and some siblings-in-law.

The family would like to Thank all the workers with St. Croix Hospice for all they did for her this last year.

A memorial service will be Saturday morning (October 11, 2025) at 11:00 at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma, Kansas with the Reverend Robert Grimm officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Alma.

Visitation will be Saturday morning (October 11, 2025) from 10:00 until the time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church. Please make checks payable to St. John Lutheran Church and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.