Harold R. Vogel

MADISON- Harold R. Vogel, age 85, our beloved passed away on March 5, 2009, and went home to be with the Lord. He was born on May 22, 1923, in Madison. He graduated from East High School in 1940. In 1942, he married Barbara Heiliger, the love of his life. He joined the Army in 1943, and fought in the South Pacific during World War II. He owned his own excavation business and the Anderson Thomas Company which sold and serviced construction and outdoor power equipment. In 1991, Harry and Barb retired to Florida, where they enjoyed their children, grandchildren, and their church family. Harry was a wonderful husband and father and was always willing to help those in need. Harry loved his family, the Lord, sailing, music, shopping, singing, gardening, reading and cooking. He loved children, especially babies, and all things in nature. Harry always dreamed of becoming a race car driver when he grew up ... fortunately, he never grew up (but those who knew him knew he often practiced his skills on the road). He was a true renaissance man. Harry had a great sense of humor and would pull your left and right leg at the same time. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his children Christine Vogel, Dave Vogel (Rebecca Rodriguez), Paul Vogel, Cynthia Johnson (Kenneth), James Vogel, William Vogel (Lisa Peterson), and Susan Duong, 15 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters: Eleanor Koster, Erna Stephenson, Martha Boyer, Judy Englebrecht, and brother, Dave Vogel. He was preceded in death by George and Erna Vogel, George Junior Vogel, and Howard Vogel. Services will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM until time of service. The burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery following a luncheon. We would like to thank all of the loving caregivers at Home Health United, Bright Star, the Veterans Administration Hospital, Select Care, and HospiceCare. The family requests memorials to be given to the Salvation Army.