Nina Pagel, age 81, of Twin Valley, Minnesota died Saturday, June 11, 2011 at her home.

Nina A. Erstad was born April 12, 1930, the daughter of Nels and Asta (Hanson) Erstad in Sundal Township near Gary, Minnesota. She later moved with her family to the Ada, Minnesota area where she attended school. As a young adult, Nina cared for her parents and helped raise her brothers and sister. On October 26, 1948, Nina was united in marriage to Louis Pagel in Ada. The couple made their home northeast of Ada where they farmed for about five years. Nina and Louis then moved to a farm west of Gary, Minnesota for about five years before settling on a farm southeast of Twin Valley, where she lived until the time of her death. Over the years, Nina was actively involved in the farming operations. Louis died on October 26, 1974. In 1980, Nina was employed in dietary department at the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home in Twin Valley, until her retirement in July of 2005.

Some of Nina's favorite past times included reading and feeding the humming birds. Nina took pride in her baking as well as caring for her many vegetable and flower gardens over the years. She also thoroughly enjoyed family and friends stopping over for a cup of coffee and a visit. Nina loved spending time with her friends and family, but she truly treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nina is survived by a daughter, Carol (Alex) Wika of West Fargo, ND; sons, Bill (Michelle) Pagel of Twin Valley, MN and Tim Pagel of Moorhead, MN; a sister, Millie Brooks of West Fargo, ND; brothers, Sidney (Ardell) Erstad of Ada, MN and Allan Erstad of Huntington, OR; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and three brothers, Walter, Myron and Clifford.

Funeral Services were held Thursday, June 16 at 2:00pm in the Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation was Wednesday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with a family service at 6:30pm in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation was one hour before services at the church on Thursday. Officiating was Pastor Anne Pairan with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Carey Johnston serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were her grandchildren Louis Pagel, Wendy Omland, Kristi Dixon, Lori Wika, Michael Wika and Jon Wika. Honorary Pallbearers were Millie Brooks, Sidney Erstad and Allan Erstad.

Burial was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.