Edward J. Pagel (EJ), age 68, of Winnebago, died suddenly on February 17, 2021.  He was born on October 29, 1952.  He grew up on a farm in Burritt Township in western rural Winnebago County, attended Winnebago schools, and then graduated as valedictorian from Winnebago High School in 1970. He was active in 4-H in the Burritt Winners and the Burritt Providers. EJ received a merit-based scholarship to the University of Illinois where he studied electrical engineering.
EJ worked in the Rockford area as an electrician for several manufacturing companies.

EJ was an incredibly gifted musician with piano and organ being his main passion, but he also played the trombone, bass and guitar.  He was an accomplished vocalist with a wide range including baritone.  He was very creative; he wrote music, and was comfortable reading music or improvising on demand. He was in several area rock and blues bands including the Flying Saucers, the Hammers, and the Blues Hawks.  He loved to make people happy with his music.

EJ was active politically with the Illinois Libertarian Party and with NORML. He regularly called in to local radio talk shows to discuss current events and music.

After his marriage in 2001, he farmed with his wife on her great grandparents' farm in Burritt Township.  Ed enjoyed playing the organ for Sunday services at the Burritt Community Church and he always provided stirring music for the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the North Burritt Cemetery.

Ed was an only child and was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. and Martha Eunice (Gale) Pagel, and by his wife, Sylvia Jean Doyle, in 2020.  He is survived by several in-laws, cousins, and by a niece and nephew.  Per EJ's request, there will be no formal funeral service.

Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family.  Share a memory or condolence at www.gracefh.com .