Joel Scott "Woody" Fager

Joel Scott Fager, 54, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home in Alma, Kansas, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma cancer.

Joel was born on March 12, 1971, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Phillip Fager and Shirley Grimes Fager Cook. He graduated from Topeka West High School in 1989. After graduation, he spent six years with the Air Force and Air National Guard.

For thirty years he served as an EMT and Critical Care Paramedic. During his career he worked for multiple agencies including AMR and Pottawatomie County. During his service, he worked his way through the ranks. He served as Assistant Director and Director of Pottawatomie County EMS. He also served one term as Wabaunsee County Commissioner. Joel truly loved helping people and serving his community. He was an instructor, leader, and a friend.

Joel was also a former member of BACA. To his brothers and sisters, he was known as Woody. During his time with Bikers Against Child Abuse, he served as his Chapter's Vice President and State Security. When he wasn't working, he was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and golfing, just to name a few. Joel was also a family man who loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Phillip Fager, Stepfather, Vince Cook, and infant brother, Stephen Fager.

On July 12, 2010, he eloped with the love of his life, Nicole Zeller, blending their two families together. She survives in their home.

Other survivors include: his children, Jacob, Justin and Trace Fager; stepdaughters Stephanie Maike (Hunter), and Kylie Savage (Kyle). Grandchildren, Dylan and Tatum Fager, Barrett, Briley, & Huntley Maike. His mother, Shirley Cook; sisters, TJ Bradford (Scott Dean), Terri Janda (Chip); brothers, Dan Fager (Kate) and Rich Fager (Lauren). Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends that were more like family.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fellowship Bible Church, Topeka, Kansas on September 19th at 11 A.M. Memorials can be sent to the Joel Fager Memorial fund at Kaw Valley State Bank, 1015 Kaw Valley Park Circle, Wamego, Kansas 66547.