Vogel, Richard P. "Dick"
Richard Vogel, of Mequon, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 83 years old.
Dick was born in Milwaukee on August 20, 1931 son of Walter Vogel and Lucille Elschner Vogel. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Rufus King High School with the class of 1949. On August 18, 1956 he married Judy Schwandner in Milwaukee. Soon after, the couple moved to the Mequon-Thiensville area where they raised their four daughters.
Dick's love of cars and particularly classic and sports cars led to his first business, Milrace Motors in Thiensville. He was a lifelong entrepreneur starting and selling many businesses. After the death of his daughter Kathy Kuettner in 2000, Dick, his family and supporters worked tirelessly to open Kathy's House to accommodate those seeking medical treatment and support in the Southeastern Wisconsin area to honor and continue Kathy's legacy. Kathy's House is a non-profit Hospital Hospitality House located in Wauwatosa that is dedicated to providing lodging and support to patients of all ages and their caregivers who are receiving medical treatment in the Milwaukee area. Dick often said that Kathy's House was the most gratifying work he had ever accomplished.
Dick was a 58 year member of Mequon United Methodist Church where he was very active. Dick served in a variety of leadership and volunteer roles including his favorite summer pastime of cutting the church lawn. He was also instrumental in establishing Sonlight Child Development Center as part of the church's mission. Started in 2007, Sonlight was established to provide a positive environment, influenced by Christian sensibilities, where children can develop respect for self and others, a lasting love of and desire for learning and a relationship with God.
His latest volunteer endeavor was helping his sister Rev. Marilyn Borchardt as she founded the Random Lake Area Historical Society and opened Kathy's III Trackside Café in Random Lake. He could be found at the café weekly helping his sister serve coffee and good cheer.
Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years Judy of Mequon, his three daughters Susan (Dean) Vogel Foley of Easton, CT, Laura Vogel Woods (significant other Rich Andersen) of Cedarburg and Karen (Peter) Murray of Lake Geneva. He is further survived by his son-in-law Ken Kuettner (significant other Roanne Jambreck) of Oconomowoc, 11 grandchildren: Leah, Alexa, Hailey, Emily, Claire, Abby, Caleb, Drew, Becca, Kate and Olivia, two sisters Rev. Marilyn (Ken) Borchardt of Random Lake and Helene Shepard of Safety Harbor, FL, sister-in-law Elaine (Randall) Hoth of Milwaukee, brother-in-law Gary Schwandner of Palm Desert, CA, his special "fifth daughter" Heidi Erdman Cassel of Thiensville, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Lucille Vogel, his daughter Kathy Vogel Kuettner, his sister Lorraine Vogel and his in-laws Harvey and Geraldine Schwandner.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 23rd, at 3 PM at Mequon United Methodist Church, 11011 N. Oriole Ln., Mequon. He will be laid to rest at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, November 23rd from 1:30-3 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Kathy's House (www.kathys-house.org) , Mequon United Methodist Church to benefit Sonlight Child Development Center or the Random Lake Historical Society.
The Eernisse Funeral Home, Cedarburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.
The Vogel family wishes to thank the caring staff of the Heartland Hospice team and Tim Bireley and his staff at Home Helpers of Greater Milwaukee for their kindness and compassion during a very difficult time.
Tributes
Donna Stevenson wrote on Dec 5, 2014:
"I am so honored to have met Mr. Vogel during various stays at Kathy's House. What a blessing his labor of love was to me and to my husband during those visits. I have fond memories of Mr. Vogel, Maggie, people who stayed at Kathy's House while I was there, volunteers who brought in food, etc. Our condolences to the Vogel family and to his friends who will all surely miss this great man. He leaves an empty place in this world. He also leaves a rich and beautiful legacy of using his many gifts for great good -- a legacy which still lives on. May we all take this to heart and follow his example. "
Debbie & Bruce Kirschner wrote on Nov 21, 2014:
"Dear Vogel Family, Our sympathy to your family during this difficult loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered, especially his smile and hospitality at Kathy's House. He made Kathy's House a great place to stay during a most difficult time in our lives, and for that, he will never be forgotten. May God comfort you.
Sincerely with prayers,
Debbie, Bruce, Jason, Heidi Kirschner
Powers, MI"
Tom Davie (former director of Arizona Transplant H wrote on Nov 21, 2014:
"Dear Judy & Family. I was saddened to learn of Dick's passing and extend my thoughts and prayers. I first met Dick and Judy at the Hospital Hospitality Network Conference in Asheville, NC in 1999 and always enjoyed reconnecting with them at subsequent conferences. Dick leaves a wonderful legacy in the founding of Kathy's House and his tireless efforts toward helping patients and caregivers is without equal. God bless."
Eernisse Funeral Home wrote on Nov 21, 2014:
"Dear Judy & Family. I was saddened to learn of Dick's passing and extend my thoughts and prayers to all of you at this time. I first met Dick and Judy at the Hospital Hospitality Network conference in Asheville NC in 1999 and always enjoyed reconnecting with them at subsequent conferences. Dick leaves a wonderful legacy by establishing Kathy's House and his tireless efforts to help patients and caregivers is a tribute to both Dick and Judy.
Tom Davie-former Director of Arizona Transplant House now retired."
Anna Donnermeyer wrote on Nov 20, 2014:
"Dear Vogel Family,
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy. We were truly blessed to be able to stay at Kathy's House during some difficult times. May you be surrounded by peace and love as you grieve Dick's death and know that He is now surrounded by God's glory! We are keeping you in our prayers and thanking God for Dick!"
J Frank Wilson MD wrote on Nov 20, 2014:
"Dear Judy and family,Having learned of Dick's passing I want to extend my personal condolences and those of everyone here who knew him. Dick was an unforgettable personality. He took meaningful personal action where he saw human need. Those he helped, as well as those who knew him, will always remember his example. Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time of loss. Sincerely, Frank Wilson."
Joan & Shel Lozoff wrote on Nov 19, 2014:
"We know Dick as a wonderful neighbor. He was always fixing, cleaning or in general beautifying his home and our neighborhood. We'd see him on walks or driving in a special car and always with a smile, a wave and a hello. We will miss his friendly ways. "
Roman and Virginia Salm wrote on Nov 19, 2014:
"Dick, you were not only a true friend in our time of need, but you also became a mentor to my husband and myself, guiding us along the way to healing our bodies and souls.
Dick, we rejoice in your new life!!"
Dana Hansen Davis wrote on Nov 19, 2014:
"I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He gave me the chance to be a part of Kathy's House and that experience has changed my life. My time living there as a volunteer/working there was amazing and I met so many amazing people because of Dick. Thank you to the Vogel family for Kathy's House. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all."
Jennifer Grandkoski wrote on Nov 19, 2014:
"I am very sad to hear of Dick's passing. Dick was a wonderful man that dedicated his life to helping others. I had the great pleasure of working with him over the years as he has volunteered for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Scenic Shore 150 Bike Tour every July. He will be deeply missed by everyone that has been touched by his kind heart and gentle smile. Rest in peace my friend. Thank you for being you. "
Polly Leahy wrote on Nov 18, 2014:
"I am sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was a gracious host to my late husband and me at Kathy's House as Terry received treatment at Froedtert. I will always remember his kindness."
Ann Freid wrote on Nov 18, 2014:
"My daughter was born on 9/20/01 with Down syndrome and a major heart defect (was completely missing her pulmonary valve). She needed to stay at Children's in Milw for 30 days. I stayed at Kathy's House, so that I wouldn't have to drive back and forth to our home in Oshkosh. Kathy's House was so comforting, truly my Home Away from Home. I'll never forget meeting Dick and sitting down to talk with him about Kathy's House. I could see how much he missed his daughter, yet was extremely proud of her. I can still envision her picture on the wall in the sitting room.
Rest in Peace, Dick. You will be remembered by MANY, and THANK YOU for all you've done to make our community a better place. "
Marlena Davis wrote on Nov 18, 2014:
"I was there on the first day of Sonlight Child Development's grand opening and worked there for 3 years until I moved out of town. Everytime I would hear the lawn mower I would say there's Mr. Dick. He said it relaxed him to do the lawn. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
Sarah Gallagher wrote on Nov 18, 2014:
"I met Dick as he made coffee early in the morning at Kathy's house. What a gift and vision he and his family had for establishing Kathy's House.
Thank you!"
Dan and Jodi Chaudoir wrote on Nov 18, 2014:
"We were so sad to learn of Dick's passing. He was such a caring and compassionate man and put every bit of energy that he had into Kathy's House. He will be missed."
Sandra Lardinois wrote on Nov 18, 2014:
"As the Social Worker on the Oncology Unit at Froedtert, the important service provided to patients and their families by Kathy's House has been apparent. Few individuals transform their grief in such a profound way as did Dick and his family. My best to Dick's loved ones as you heal from this new loss."
Jim Meinert wrote on Nov 17, 2014:
"We are very sorry for your loss. Dick will be missed, and has accomplished so much!
I worked for Dick at Milrace Motors."
Babe Quintrall wrote on Nov 14, 2014:
"I am so sorry to learn of your dear Richard's passing. I am sure you find comfort in God's promise's to resurrect our loved ones as well as the hope of living forever with them on a paradise earth, without the pain and suffering we see so much of in the world today. All the best wishes for your family.
Acts 24:15
Revelation 21:4
Psalm 37:29"