I remember John. He was fish Vogelsang my Junior year. I am most thankful for his 25 years of service as a first responder. No doubt he made a big difference in his community and family. Way to go, John. You make me proud. Mike Caudle, FTAB ‘69

I remember being in the Aggie Band with John. May he rest in peace.

Vogelsang, a rare, unique name with a special sound. You don't often hear it, unless John was around. We all met John in August of 1967, arriving two weeks early as the new freshman  class for the Texas Aggie Band. One of the first "Fish" I met was John, on an incredibly chaotic day , his strong hand shake and bold demeanor took some of the shock out of the day as the upperclassmen threw their nets around us and I began to think we really are a school of fish. Time flew by and all of a sudden John was on the Bugle Rank leading the entire band with 11 other "fish" who  had made the four year journey. To bond the class in 67 we ran around the quads singing a Jody that said "raise you eyes up to the sky, the Aggie Band is passing by". NOW, as we lift our eyes up to the sky, we can see John pass us by, making room for us all to join him someday in that "Last Corps" trip. John is the kind of man you only needed to meet once and remember him for a lifetime. There is a poem that always reminds me of a  friend who had a long fulfilling life like John, The Paradox of Time, by Henry Austin Dobson, the theme is "Time stays, we go", Lidian, although John has left us to start a new journey, our memories of knowing him are still with us every TIME we think of him. JOHN, remember us as you "Step off on Hullabaloo"...

Condolences to the family. We have fond memories of Mr. Vogelsang and hearing all the kind words about him makes us smile.
Gene (STH ‘72) and Lisa (Ags’79)

I met fish vogelsang in September of 1967.  We were "Fish Old Ladies" (a.k.a. Room Mates) in the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.  John and I were great friends, and did LOTS of push-ups  together, every time we forgot some of the required campusology questions.  

Even though we went our separate ways, especially when I transferred to the Texas Maritime Academy my junior year, we were lifetime friends and Aggie Brothers.  I loved John, and am so sad about his passing.  Sorry we did not find out about this until today (11 Feb) as we were on a Caribbean Cruise the past two weeks.

John, may you Rest in Peace....  I will proudly answer "Here" for you at Muster on 21 April.    God Bless you.....  Gig 'Em!

Jim Sterling, BQ '71


David and I have been out of town and now we are so saddened to hear of John's passing! I have so many, many memories of our dear friend John. Where to begin--I was lucky enough to become friends with John and Lidia when I became Courtney's Kindergarten teacher at St. Francis de Sales School. And then finding out that he worked at HPD alongside my husband David. Our friendship grew as he became a frequent visitor to my classroom always praising the children and teaching them safety rules. A couple of years later, I was blessed to have Nick in my classroom and again John was always present to show the children how lucky they were to be at SFDS and to be loved by so many. John continued to be ever-present in my classroom until I retired in May,2010.  Throughout all the years, John would consistently remind me how lucky he was to be married to Lidia  and father to Courtney and Nick. He was a beautiful man, husband, father and friend and I am so lucky to have been his friend. May God continue to bless John and his loving family. COWABUNGA DUDE!

I was so sad to hear of John’s passing my thoughts and prayers go out to you Lidia and your family. He was such a fun loving guy. John was the best little league coach Matt ever had. He made all of those boys feel like winners.

Jeannette Smith
Matt Hluchanek
Laura Hluchanek 

I worked with John on night shift  at  the Westside Police station, and then in Juvenile also at Westside. We also worked extra jobs together. His son went to high school with my nephew. John was a very kind man, great husband to Lidia, and a great dad to his kids. One of the things he used to say, “this might be a Lidia call” when talking about certain things.  We would  laugh about it.
May he Rest In Peace,  and may  his family find comfort in all the memories.

Gig’em John!
Belinda (your favorite Sergeant)

Lidia, 

I met John when I worked at Tanglewood Bank in 1988.  After telling my husband, Rob, about John, we discovered he and John were friends at A&M.  Small, small world!

John was such a sweet man and even though it’s been at least 20 years since we spoke, I feel like he was a friend. He was a good, good, man who loved you and his family more than anything. It was obvious by the way he spoke about you and your children. My world was better knowing John.  

I am truly sorry for your loss but also rejoice that you could know the love of such a good man and that he had such a beautiful family.

Peace and comfort to you and your children.

Tanya McDonald 



John was a senior when I was a fish in the Aggie Band. Though I have had very little interaction with him since then, I do want to tell you that I am truly sorry for your loss. Mat God bless you and your family as you move through the upcoming days and years.

David Branam ‘74

Lidia and family,
We were saddened to hear about John.  We were truly blessed to have John and you and your family in our lives.  From the first day we met in the Aggie band, he was special with his big smile, warm greeting, and bear hug.  We will miss him.  May God bless you in this time of sorrow. 

Whether you greeted him with John W, John, Mr. Vogelsang, Officer Vogelsang or just a “Cowabunga, Dude”, he brightened your day. 

We have many treasured memories of the Vogelsangs especially during Matt’s years at St. Thomas with Nick. There was not a more passionate person about Eagle football - except maybe Coach Fitz.  John named us the “Wharton Gang” along with the Chapas, Sepulvedas and Zornes. We closed down Spanish Flowers many a night after a football game and oh what fun we had!  The kids were calling us to see where we were.  John was always the life of the party.  

Our deepest condolences to Lidia, Courtney, Nick and Kat and his grandchildren. You were his everything.   He will be in your hearts forever.  

John was a genuine and special man who touched so many.  Our family was blessed to have crossed paths with him. Heaven gained a great one. We will always hear that raspy, “Go Eagles” and of course, “Cowabunga, Dude”. We will miss you... what a man!

It was always good to see John, he made you feel special.  John rode with me two nights a week when he was a rookie with HPD.   I worked him hard, but he never complained.  John gave me the job at St Agnes when he retired.  He was one of a kind for sure,   Rest in peace brother.

What an amazing man, classmate, police officer, and all-around great guy. We were honored to have him as our Class President way back in 1983. Great memories! Praying for the family. 

Reggie Harris (HPD Academy Class #116)

Lidia and family,

John could fill the whole room with his laugh and his smile.  I was so blessed to be able to lean on him as a friend and classmate while at Texas A&M.  He attended my wedding even though he was going through a tough time personally.  He just didn’t shake your hand when you would see him.  He grabbed you by the hand, then gave you a big bear hug and would say “It does my heart good to see you again.”  Aggie Muster will be a lot more personal this year, as we say his name, and I have the privilege and honor to say “here”.

Mr. Vogelsang will forever be a legend at St Francis De Sales. He protected us but more than that he participated in events and was part of our school in so many ways. He went out of his way to make you feel good about yourself. My condolences to the Vogelsang family. Rest in Peace John, you will be sorely missed.

Bryan Byrne
SFDS '96

Lidia and family, My deepest condolences! 

To John's family,
    I want to say that I am so sad to learn of John's passing this morning.  I was reading the paper this morning, and, unfortunately, I recognized that smile of his before I could even focus on the name.  I worked with John at the Westside Command Station back in the day.  I remember John had that infectious smile and always seemed so positive.  A true gentle soul, and a genuine Nice Guy.  As you know, in HPD, you transfer around as time goes by, and I lost touch with John.  Watching the video, though, it doesn't surprise me to see what a beautiful family he has and what a loving Father and Grandfather he became! I pray that your tears of sorrow  become tears of joy as you remember his legacy.                                                                                                                                  “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more.  Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore; for the former things have passed away.”  -Revelation 21:4

John was a legend. John was loved by everyone and John truly loved life and everyone he came into contact with. John especially loved Lidia and his family.
I had the honor to call John one of my best friends and we shared many great years together- coaching baseball, camping, working on the bazaar, the many celebrations and parties at St. Francis De Sales as well as many other friends houses, Wimberley, baseball tournaments, football games, wrestling matches, Astros baseball games, birthday parties, weddings, etc.
John taught me a lot about what is important in life and how to treat people. There was not a person that John could not connect with and he always made people feel special. He had an infectious laugh and sense of humor. He was loved and respected by everyone. He really had a way of making your day better just by being around him.
John wore so many funny costumes for the enjoyment of the children and the adults on field day at St.Francis and the bazaar events. 
 John is hopefully going to met some much needed rest in Heaven because he was shorted of time here on earth.  John worked so many night shifts and still met for coaching practices and games, 
etc.  on no sleep.    Known for his world famous turtle dance and his many funny stories, laughing and teasing everyone(especially Lidia).  John was the  life of the party.
John was a great Dad, Husband, Grandfather, Coach,  25 year Police Officer, Joker,  Aggie and Marching band member, security guard, mentor and dear friend.  We will miss you, John, but never forget you.  Love you man - Cowabunga Dude.



John was a great Ag and upperclassman.  Prayers for the family.
Todd Blomerth 72

Lidia, Courtney, and Nick,
Your beloved husband and dad was always quick with a cheerful greeting and a  welcoming smile for me.  His uplifting, positive approach to life brought joy to my heart.  I will surely miss him - getting a beer at the SFdS Bazaar will never be the same.  
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.  Cowabunga, dude!
--Ann Mikus

Dearest Vogelsang family,

I cannot think of a better man than John Vogelsang. So many of my fondest memories and life lessons are from my time at  SFdS, and Mr. Vogelsang was undoubtedly a part that. He was our number one fan and devoted so much of himself to the community. I know he will be deeply missed. May his memories live on in all who were lucky enough to know him. I pray for peace and comfort during this difficult time. Cowabunga, dude!

My favorite fan and dad in the stands!    All my love.  I love you Nicky.  

Coach Chaney

I worked with John on night shift patrol at HPD Westside back in the 80's - 90's.  John was great policeman and a wonderful soul.  He will be dearly missed.  Prayers for his family.

Lots of great memories working together over the years at SJ and SAA.  

I am so sad to hear this. Mr. Volgelsang brought so much joy to everyone who was in his presence. There is no doubt his wonderful spirit will live on in those that knew him.  You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

John W. Vogelsang was a legend. To try and encapsulate his accomplishments as a model lawman, family man, community leader, and mentor to children in this limited space would be a fool’s errand and impossible. 

Mr. Vogelsang taught me what it was to be a southern gentleman in Texas at six years old with “yessir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am.”  I will forever be indebted to him for this lesson.

I was lucky enough to befriend the best man at St. Francis de Sales (Nick) in first grade and got to know Mr. Vogelsang throughout the years. Whether it was his dressing up as a nerd to encourage us in the Walk-a-Thon or arriving in uniform and his squad car to entertain to any student who wanted to take a gander, Mr. Vogelsang impacted hundreds of students’ lives. His reach in this small capacity at SFdS as a community leader is immeasurable.

Mr. Vogelsang taught me how to make the perfect pancake - just the right amount of vanilla extract in the Bisquick batter could mean the difference between delicacy and destruction. The lessons he taught me in Rio Bonito could fill a library.

This is only an infinitesimal tidbit of the impact Mr. Vogelsang had on our community. He was an irreplaceable pillar, and we are all worse off without him being around.

I take comfort in knowing he is partying with a beer hat and his previously departed family members (plus his beloved dog Reveille) in heaven. My thoughts are solely with the Vogelsang family at this time.  

COWABUNGA, dudes and dudettes!

I met John back on October 3rd 1983 in the police academy we where in the same class #116....of course we had the best class we all got along so well and helped each other all the way through.  We picked John to be our President because he was the oldest and wisest and we all looked up to him....I was looking at all the pictures of him and he always had that awesome smile of his on his face that smile that made you feel safe and welcomed around him..he looked like he had an amazing family and life...God bless you and may God keep your family at peace while y'all go through this tuff time....

I met John on October 3, 1983. It was our first day of the Houston Police Academy class #116. John soon became friends with all the cadets and helped out any way he could. He was so liked by us all that we elected him as our class president. You will never find a more caring and kind person and friend. He did so much for our country and city. He will truly be missed by all who happened to cross his path. Rest in peace brother. Our class chant: "We're a team, class 116, BLUE!" The Thin Blue Line 

I have so many memories of Mr. Vogelsang over the years from SFDS and SAA. Elementary games would not have been the same without the lucky Barney t-shirt and "Cowabunga dude".   Our Wimberly vacations and Schlitterbahn trips were always so much fun with Mr. Vogelsang as the life of the party. 
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Vogelsang, Courtney, and Nick.  Mr. Vogelsang was such an amazing person. He will be missed!
Laura (Bannan) Curlee

Lydia, Courtney & Nick
We are all so saddened by John’s passing and offer our deep condolences.
I first met John at St. Thomas when we were both skinny kids. We both were in the drama club, where we became fast friends. That friendship only grew over the years and added Sharon and her extended family. He was a legend at St. Francis as our families grew together and he will be missed so much. Love you folks.
And John, here’s a Cowabunga coming your way. 
Jim & Sharon

Oh the memories, all good. Working  at the bazaar, hanging around after mass catching up with our lives. John  was always there helping out at dances (keeping control of the public school kids trying to crash the party)  The man was a master! He was in my mind, what all police officers should try to emulate.  Kind friendly firm. I was amazed at how he took Control. Seeing john and Lidia at market days. Floating the blanco river. 
  John  had a way of making every one he met feel at ease. 
  Dependable. I could always depend on him and he of me to show in our sandals I’ve still got mine john!  May you rest in peace

John was one of kind. Loved by many while alive, he will be greatly missed by many now. 

John was such an amazing man. I have fond memories of him when I worked with Amy Sitz in kindergarten at SFDS! We had 50’s day and he dressed up like Elvis! He brought his police car so the children could look inside and hear the siren. He was such a giving person and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Rest In Peace!
Love, Rose and Bob Guilbeau 

Lydia, Courtney, Nick and Family, 

What beautiful memories we have of the Vogelsang Family. John was the head  of this great Catholic Family. And he did a great job!!

He was so kind, so gentle and so much a part of our children’s lives growing up at Saint Francis De Sales.  Remembering with a smile the class trips, the Dinner for Two bazaar booth, trip to Wimberly, parties at our house, the SFDS baseball team and  his  famous Cowabunga !!

You will be missed, John . 

I will remember John's  warm and friendly smile, as well as his laugh.
My deepest condolences and prayers to his family. God bless.
Rose Beamer

Lydia Courtney Nick. 
Our Hearts go out to you. Such a sudden loss  of John,RIP.  it is unthinkable. Words  woud not be enough to express this Gentle Giant. We have bern friends since K at  St Francis de Sales. Nick and Colm have a lasting friendship. John was soo Happy and appreciative a few years ago when we took Nick home on holidays with us to Ireland. Such a kind warm easy going smiling person. A Family man may he RIP. You are in our Hearts❤️

I don’t think there was a person as kind n loving as John ; everyone loved him.  He always knew the right thing to say, All my kids attended the same school n knew him n his kids well.  I first met John n Lydia when my kids attended preschool. James n Nick were in the same class n played together.  My daughter Colleen was in his upper classes . I always remember him directing traffic at St Agnes n always had a smile n kind word for everyone. And always volunteering besides his job as a police officer. Everyone looked up to him n respected him; he was everyone guardian angel. My deepest sympathy to his family, Lydia , Nick n Courtney.   God Bless,  he will be sorely missed by many. NancyByrne



I had the honor of working with John when he was at Houston Police Southwest and Westside Divisions. I will always remember his easygoing ways and kindness he showed to others. 

John and his beer hat.  Fun times at St. Francis de Sales bazaar. Great memories.

John will always be in our hearts.  I think of all the years our families were together volunteering at St. Francis de Sales School, SFDS Bazaar, etc. and John was always in the thick of things. My kids thought he was the greatest! John was such a positive person who loved his family very much. He was such a people person & a joy to be around. I won’t forget the visits in Wimberley along the Blanco River. Through the years, every time I went to Wimberley Market Days, I looked for Lidia and John.
Lidia, Courtney and Nick thanks for sharing John with all of us. I know we all will miss the “COWABUNGA” dude!
Prayers for all of you.

When we met John and Lidia,  our sons were STHS freshmen. So many Friday night lights we spent together. These were some of our happiest experiences, and throughout the ensuing years our families shared even more good times. Sometimes there were truly poignant moments, but none were ever dull, not with John’s famous TAMU yell resounding. Rest easy now John. Go ahead, make the angels laugh and the Lord smile.  The Chapa family will always remember you. God bless the Vogelsang family...

John was such a wonderful, kind and loving person.  He will remain forever in our hearts.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We love you,   Gene and Lyna Janiszewski 

John was one of a kind, a very special man, husband, father and friend.  I met John and Lidia years ago at a STHS reunion and we've been friends ever since.  My kids remember him at their graduations when he gave them a bullet to bite to get them through the next chapter of their life.  I remember him at all the SFDS functions doing the gator.  He was a kind soul taken from us too soon but  he and Brandy are up in Heaven continuing their long time friendship.  My prayers and love are with Lidia, Courtney and Nick.  God bless you all.
Kaye 

OBITUARY

John Walter Vogelsang Jr.

17 February, 1949 – 3 February, 2020

Earthman Southwest Funeral Home

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