Vicki Anne Vogel

My sister Vicki Anne was born November 8, 1943 in central Illinois. It was the last stages of World War II and our dad Leon was working as a printer and our mother, Norma, was a stay at home mom. Since we were only 18 months apart we shared playtime and friends and even same classrooms over the years. Our cousin Karen stayed with us in summers and we formed a gang of neighborhood kids with Vicki as the leader, of course. The post war years in Danville, Illinois was an idyllic time with community events and parish happenings. Our church St Patrick’s always entered a Living Nativity float in the Christmas parades and somehow Vicki was a natural choice, all decked out in her robe, to play the part of Mother Mary. In our home her role playing continued on as she would dress up exactly like the nuns and teach her “classroom” of stuffed dolls with much emphatic emphasis on discipline and not talking back. Needless to say, my friends and I would run out the back door when she started setting up her imaginary classroom. She was an ongoing “A” student and at Schlarman High School was a cheerleader, a competitive swimmer, Class President, Prom Queen and Valedictorian of her class. She always tried to be obliging to me, her big brother, and would end up riding my bike home for me (uphill!) after baseball games…or finish my homework for me…or loan me money for my car. She became an accomplished horseback rider, winning state fair competitions in the quarter horse equestrian class on her horse Pip. Our friendship deepened at the University of Illinois where we both were students. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a teaching degree in social studies. Although we were able to share holidays and special occasions after graduation, her path took her to new locales, teaching at Indiana State University then to a post graduate study at San Francisco State University, and she finished her course work at Cambridge University in England. My wife Joan and I moved to southern California with our sons and at the same time Vicki began a management career with General Telephone at its Simi Valley California office. We rejoiced that the Vogel family was within driving distance of each other again! Although Vicki loved traveling with Mom throughout the U.S. and Europe, the joy of her life was being an indulgent aunt to her four nephews. She dyed and hid eggs at Easter, bought them their hearts’ desires at Christmas and birthdays, prayed for them , laughed at their corny jokes, raced them down the ski hills, counseled them on etiquette, dating, and colleges and taught them the fine art of spitting off Ferris wheels. In her later life she moved to Coppell TX to finish her career. St.Ann became the center and anchor of her life and she poured her time and energy into parish activities, serving in its many ministries. Her Sisters in Christ were close to her heart as they shared every rich goodness of life and Vicki was most grateful for their help in times of need, as was her family.

Vicki’s most notable and endearing personality trait was her infectious giggle. It wasn’t a laugh but a giggle that would start and roll on until a whole roomful of others would be giggling also. She couldn’t help herself. It was abundant joy overflowing from her humble and gracious heart. We all say that’s one of the things we will miss and we thank God that she was ours for these years. She will be remembered for her love and humility and faithful service.

She passed on the morning of her birthday before her party even began…yet we are all comforted to think that she was meant to celebrate with the Lord. On that special day, Vicki Anne was welcomed into the glorious and loving presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and greeted by His eternal words “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Vicki Anne Vogel leaves behind her brother Terry and his wife Joan, nephews Andrew of Poway CA, Joe and wife Stacey, with children Tyler (12) and Emma (9) of Petaluma CA, Lee and wife Kathleen and son Benji (3) of Colorado Springs CO, and David and wife Kaity and children Maggie (2) and Calvin (7 mo) of San Diego CA. The little ones the Lord has given to Vicki’s nephews were her delight also and as they grow they will hear of her words and deeds, of her laughter and caring heart, and will come to know her in spirit, for her life speaks beyond her passing, unto a new generation.

The Vogel family will be gathering together virtually on November 29 for a time of remembrance. Any correspondence can be sent to Terry and Joan Vogel, 13018 Edina Way, Poway CA 92064 or [email protected].

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Ann Parish, Discalced Carmelite Fathers of Dallas TX, or Schlarman Foundation of Danville, Illinois.