Donald Vogel

Donald Elliott Vogel was born October 16, 1925, in Fergus Falls , Minn. , the son of Frederick & Frances (Foss) Vogel. He was baptized and confirmed at the Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls , graduating from high school in 1943. He attended college at the University of Wisconsin before enlisting in the U.S. Navy’s V12 college training program. He attended college in Indiana and at the University of Illinois when he transferred to Navy V5 program. At the end of World War II, Don received his honorary discharge from the Navy.

He attended the University of Minnesota and received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in July 1950. In August 1950, he started his career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He ended his career as Resident Engineer in Morris, retiring in 1993 at age 67. Don was in charge of many construction jobs, but was most proud of being in charge of the I-94 bypass project around the St. Cloud area.

Don was united in marriage to Marlene Carlson on Nov. 24, 1956. After residing in Fergus Falls , they moved to Morris in 1958. Don was an active member of the American Legion, Eagles, and Elks Club. He also worked with Marlene at the Stevens County Food Shelf, and they delivered meals on wheels. They also spent more than 30 happy summers going to Otter Tail Lake for vacation.

Don began collecting stamps at age 10. He had a beautiful commemorative stamp collection plus a duck stamp collection. Don loved to read, especially about World War II, and collected many books and videos about the war. He loved going out for dinner with Marlene and doing some dancing. Don loved his family dearly, and always enjoyed the times he spent with his children and grandchildren.

On November 15, 2009, Don died at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David Vogel and sister Jane Jensen. Don is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marlene, of Morris and his children Lisa (Michael) Stein, Moorhead; Michelle Vogel, Burnsville; Chris (Becky) Vogel, Morris; and Joni (Dan) Hagstrom, St. Cloud; Nine grandchildren Emily, Adam & Sarah Stein; Tony Vogel; Courtney, Kaitlin & Chandler Vogel; and Justin & Brandon Hagstrom; brother Joe (Mary) Vogel of Minneapolis; sister-in-law Elaine Vogel of Minneapolis and many nieces and nephews.