Madlen Pagenkopf found peace September 7, 2026, at the age of 99 years.
Madlen was the beloved wife of the late Melvin Pagenkopf. Loving mother of Carol (David) Pugh, Allen (Teri) Pagenkopf, Wayne Pagenkopf and Linda (Dennis) Campbell. Dear grandmother of Maggie (Andy) Bork, Adam Pagenkopf, Molly (Dean) Bowen, Erin Pagenkopf, Rachel (Dan) Vlach and Dylan Campbell. Special great-grandmother of Chloe, Jaxon, Layla, Logan and Baker. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Alice (née Hudek) Nemec; her brothers, Frank (the late Clairetta) Nemec, Joseph (the late Barbara) Nemec; and her sister, Mary (the late David) Clow.
Madlen was born in 1927, in Wausaukee, Wisconsin, where she grew up on the family farm. In her younger years she had the nickname “Lucky”, and that she certainly was. In her early twenties she moved to the Milwaukee area. She played in a competitive women’s softball league.
She married Melvin in 1953, and together they began raising their family in West Allis. They later built a home in New Berlin where they continued to raise their family and make many cherished memories. She treasured her trips back to Wausaukee to visit her family and attend weddings and gatherings. She even enjoyed joining the band on occasion, playing her accordion.
Madlen was a talented cake decorator, belonged to a ladies’ card club and enjoyed taking ceramics classes. She was a long-time employee of W.A. Krueger, a book printing and manufacturing company. In retirement, she worked at Kmart in New Berlin.
Madlen was an avid reader of newspapers and loved watching the news. She was always happy to share important information with her family in case they had missed something. She enjoyed working on puzzles and always had a sweet spot for her favorite candy, M&M’s.
Madlen had a sense of humor and cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and special nieces and nephews. Her love of family, her many talents, and her “Lucky” spirit will be remembered and treasured by all who knew and loved her.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Horizon Lawlis Family Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care. In honor of their support, memorial gifts may be directed to Horizon Lawlis Family Hospice.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, at WISCONSIN MEMORIAL PARK-CHAPEL OF THE CHIMES,
13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, beginning at 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11 AM.
Interment at Wisconsin Memorial Park following the service.
Church and Chapel Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, please call
262-786-8030 or visit
www.churchandchapel.com to view the online obituary or leave condolences.
