Donald D. Vogel

Donald Duane Vogel, 81, a long time resident of Grand Island died Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Saint FrancIs Medical Center due to complications from Pulmonary Fibrosis. Memorial Services will be at 11am Wednesday, April 24 at The First Presbyterian Church, 2103 W. Anna Street, Grand Island. The Reverend Caroline Price-Gibson will officiate. A luncheon will be served at the Church immediately following the services. A private inurnment of cremains will take place in the church columbarium at a later time. A gathering for friends and family will be Tuesday from 4 to 7pm at Apfel Funeral Home with family present from 5 to 7pm. Donald was born June 26, 1931 in Wall Lake, Iowa to Paul F. and Leona F. (Hunziker) Vogel who preceded him in death along with one daughter, Cynthia (Vogel) Froehlich of Norfolk, NE. Survivors of his immediate family include his wife, Patricia of Grand Island; daughter Taunya White (husband Tim, son Max) of Seabrook Island SC; daughter Dawyn Otto (husband Todd, daughter Abbie) of Phillips, NE and son-in-law Clark Froehlich of Norfolk, NE (daughter Carly Ulrich, husband Matt of Dodge, NE and son Chase of Dallas, TX.) Also surviving are his three siblings, Lavon (Vogel) Herrig of Fort Worth, TX; Dale Vogel of Lake View, IA and Barbara (Vogel) Mosen, (husband Carl) of Newport Coast, CA. Other family includes Aunt Linda Longman and many cousins. Donald grew up in Wall Lake, IA and graduated from Wall Lake High School with the class of 1949. He earned his bachelors degree in Agriculture from Iowa State University. He was united in marriage to Patricia Hoft on July 31, 1954. Donald was commissioned to the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant and was honorably discharged in February 1957. After the service the couple established their home in Parker, SD where Donald worked for Cargill Seeds and later Pfizer Animal Health. They moved to Grand Island in 1966 where Donald worked for Ciba-Geigy for over 30 years before retirement. Donald was a past President of the Nebraska Agricultural Chemical Association. Donald enjoyed his involvement in the Nebraska Shrine. He became Potentate in the Tehama Temple Shrine in 1995 and served on the Nebraska Shrine Bowl Board for many years. Donald loved to drive the mini cars for the Shrine in many local parades. He also served as a Trustee, Elder, Sunday school teacher and usher at The First Presbyterian Church. Donald consulted for the Nebraska Corn Growers and was a very active board member in the Area Council for International Visitors. He was an avid reader and in years past enjoyed golfing. As a loving father, he enjoyed taking his family on skiing and fishing trips. Donald treasured teaching his grandchildren how to fish and how to play many card games. He was a caring man who loved spending time with family and friends. Memorials are suggested to the Tehama Shrine Hospital Fund or to the Pipe Organ Fund at First Presbyterian Church.