Frank Vogel

Frank Wenzel Vogel was born February 17, 1935, on the original Vogel homestead in North Star Township, the son of Andrew and Anna (Mader) Vogel. He lived on that farm for 64 years where he farmed until 1984. Frank was united in marriage to Kathleen Kuebler on August 29, 1964, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Frank had also worked for Midland Fertilizer Company from 1966-1972, and for Och's Brick from 1973-2002 when he retired as a Department Supervisor. In 1999, Frank and Kathy moved from the family farm to a home along the river where Frank could enjoy his passion for wildlife preservation and God's land and creatures. He enjoyed raising flowers and trees, landscaping, feeding and watching the birds, especially the cardinals. Frank was a lifetime member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Other hobbies included fishing, hunting, collecting knives and coins, antiquing, playing pinochle, woodworking and boxing. Frank loved traveling to the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains and held an avid interest in black powder hunting and collecting. He was a good friend to all and will be remembered for his interest in motorcycling, listening to cajun, country and old-tyme music, decorating at Christmas and talking about the good old days. Most of all, Frank loved spending time with his best friend of 41 years, Kathy, and being with his children and grandchildren. Frank Vogel died Thursday, June 30, 2005, at the Springfield Medical Center at the age of 70 years. Survivors include wife- Kathy of Sanborn; children- Kevin 'Jonsie' and wife Kelly Vogel of Sanborn, Jeffrey 'Trooper' Vogel of Falls Church, VA, Amy and husband Mike Vanderwerf of Springfield, and Shane 'Paco' Vogel of Springfield; grandchildren- Dustin, Cheyanne, and Zachary Vogel and Jacob, Willy and Tyler Vanderwerf; brothers- Andrew Vogel of Springfield and Leo Vogel of Milton, WI; and sisters- Rosella Groebner of Springfield, Cecilia Wersal of Sleepy Eye, and Anne and husband Melvin Polzin of Belview; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers- Joe and Robert.