VOGEL, JR. Rev. John Richard Vogel, Jr. died suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes on Saturday, May 28, 2016. He was 75. Services will be on Tuesday, June 7 at 11 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church, 5540 Wayne Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, with a visitation at the church immediately thereafter. Dick was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June 1940 to John Richard Vogel and Anna Watson Vogel. In 1948, the family moved to Normandy in the St. Louis, Missouri area, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Dick graduated from Normandy High School as valedictorian in 1958, and attended the University of Michigan, initially intending to pursue a career in engineering. After a short time, he changed his course of study to philosophy and religion, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1962, and remaining eternally loyal to the Wolverines. He also obtained a master's degree from Depauw University and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School in 1966. Dick relocated to Kansas City that year to become the minister at Troost Avenue United Methodist Church and an integral part of the United Methodist Church's Inner City Parish. He served at several churches during his career, including Central United Methodist Church, Kairos United Methodist Church, and later St. James United Methodist Church. As a minister, he was well regarded for performing countless numbers of weddings for couples throughout the area. Dick also worked for many years as the Executive Director of the Kansas City Mental Health Association. In the early 1980s, he transitioned into the financial services industry, and went on to a very successful career focused on life insurance sales, primarily with Northwestern Mutual Life. For many years, he could be found on the tennis courts or the restaurant at the Rockhill Tennis Club, of which he was an active member. At the time of his death, he was somewhat officially retired, although would likely admit he had a difficult time removing himself completely from the business of churches and insurance. He is survived by his wife, Mary Tracy Smith; a sister, Virginia Simmons; a son, David Vogel, and his wife, Maureen Mannion Vogel; a daughter, Emily Vogel, and her wife, Carly Evans; and four grandchildren, Mia Vogel, Connor Vogel, Kate Evans, and Sam Evans. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Mark Vogel. Dick was a wonderful father, brother, friend, colleague, and pastor, who worked very hard and dedicated significant portions of his life to helping those less fortunate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Della Lamb Community Center, Grand Avenue Temple United Methodist Church, or any other organization that helps those in need, as well as to the Yale Divinity School Class of 1966 50th Anniversary Scholarship Endowment Fund. His family also believes that he would want those who respect his memory to agree they will never vote for the current frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. Online condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Arrangements: McGilley Midtown Chapel 816-753-6200. M

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Published by Kansas City Star from Jun. 2 to Jun. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Vogel

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

26 Entries

Ken Baker

September 5, 2016

Shocked to hear of the death of Dick. We were roommates at the U of M our freshman and sophomore year.

Judy and Steve Hohn

June 14, 2016

Tracy and Emily, so sorry for your loss and sorry we missed the service. We have very pleasant memories of all the time we spent together watching Emily and Libby grow up

June 8, 2016

Dick was a dear friend and advisor to us in the late 80's and 90's and served as a volunteer to our agency UCPA of KC. We purchased insurance from him in his work with the Principal Group and he was a great advisor and supporter. A special person and I am sure husband and father. Sorry I could not be there to honor him but as a fellow Democrat I will see him someday with God's faithful if I can earn my way to heaven!!! Peace! Dale Herrick

June 7, 2016

David and Maureen, I am so, so sorry for you loss. In reading all of the wonderful comments and memories of Rev. Vogel, it appears to me as though the acorn did not fall far from the tree. With Love, Steve Millin

Cori Izsak Gale

June 7, 2016

Tracy and family, We are so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Although we are no longer in KC, you all will always be in our hearts.
Since you moved out of the neighborhood, I would run into Dick around Brookside shopping - will miss the opportunity to see him and catch up.

June 7, 2016

To Rev. Vogel's Family,
It has been such a blessing knowing Rev. Vogel. He had a great spirit and genuine presence. Even though most of the time he was busy about God's work, he was also quite the comedian. I will miss him and pray that you will find comfort and peace in your memories of him. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Risë Cockerm, St. James UMC, KCMO

Mary (Zeier) Goldman

June 6, 2016

I was so sorry to read about Dick's passing in yesterday's paper. My sister Jane and I were fellow Normandy High School graduates, and Dick's sister Ginger was one of my sister's best friends there. Even though I did not know him well, when I moved to Kansas City in the late 60's, Dick wisely advised me to live in the Plaza area. I also was fortunate to attend some of his sermons. He truly touched so many people during his amazing life. He will be missed by all. (P.S. I love the ending suggestion in his obituary.)

June 6, 2016

To the family of Rev. Vogel. What a great person and joy it was to work with Rev. during my tenure at St. James. Smart, witty, serious and a culmination of so many things in this great person. Always extending himself to help others. No matter what obstacles crossed his path from day-to-day he met it head on with a smile. He will truly be missed by so many. We are sadden to learn of his passing. We pray for comfort for his family. His memory will always be a part of us. Karen and Darryle Smith

June 6, 2016

What a jewel and honor it was to work with Rev. Vogel during my tenure at St. James. He was funny and serious all at that same time. Smart and witty he was too. So sorry to learn of his passing. My heart and love go out to his family at this time of his passing. Such a wonderful man. He will be missed. Karen and Darryle Smith

June 6, 2016

My wife and I are sorry to learn of Dick's death. Our heartfelt blessings to his family..We both enjoyed meeting with Dick to review insurance policies and decisions regarding our finances..His honesty, great insight and humorous wit was enjoyed. He was a man of great integrity and honesty as your comments regarding the Presidential election is a fine example of his social conscience and is appreciated by us..He will truly be missed.by all who knew him. May God bless your family!
George and Joy Cooper

June 6, 2016

To the Vogel Family,
My heart goes out to you all on this sad time. Dick was an important friend in my life and my son Justin and his wife Sabrina. He knew the right thing to do at the right time. He was a stalwart champion of those who needed support. I will miss him. My memories are great and I can celebrate his life. Fondly, Pat Glorioso, Justin and Sabrina Hardy

Jane VanSant

June 4, 2016

I am so sad to learn of Dick's death. The world was a better place with him in it. He was one of the three best men I have ever known.
Dick and Tracy met while working on a grant application for a group home for teenage girls, and I later worked there. Then he was one of the founders of TLC, which later became Network Rehab Services where I also worked.
Even though we have not been in contact since I retired, I miss him.

Heidi Wilkinson

June 3, 2016

Rev Vogel was at St James and put my son through his confermation when Logan was 12. Logan will turn 27 on June 9th. I am so sorry for your lost.

Wanda McIntosh

June 3, 2016

To the Vogel family. May God bless and keep you during this time.

June 3, 2016

It was a shock to learn of the sudden death of our friend Dick Vogel. We pray that God will bring comfort to all of you in the family in this time of sorrow. Our friendship goes back for decades and we will miss him very much.
Fritz and Etta Mae Mutti

June 2, 2016

Dear Mrs. Vogel and family, may God comfort your hearts. Rev. Vogel was very special to me; when I was caring for my elderly neighbor whose salvation was a concern of mine I talked to Rev Vogel about it and he visited him and ministered to him. Rev Vogel was very special and a favorite of mine. Sincerely, Donna Campbell Brice a member of
St James UMC.

Lillian Fanning

June 2, 2016

We are so sorry to hear about Rev Vogel's passing. I'm sure that he is in the loving arms of our heavenly father.

David Kierst

June 2, 2016

One of the truly quiet but forceful individuals working for the common good and many individuals. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Stephanie Huffman

June 2, 2016

Dear Dave and family,

Sorry to hear about your dad so suddenly passing. We send our heartfelt condolences (and I will not vote for that person).

Love Stephanie Huffman and family

June 2, 2016

Dear David and family,
there were so many memories with Dick...he was our pastor and almost like an uncle growing up. Susan, I know you remember me most as a baby and so sorry for your loss. Tracy, I will not forget all those New Year's Eve nights when the kids watched the ball drop at your house. David, we played baseball, climbed trees, went to Jonathan's Place and SWHS. Emily, your dad will be missed by my parents and his many other friends. Peace to all...love,
Gayle (Cheatum) Schurig
Orlando, Florida

Michael Grimaldi

June 2, 2016

Tracy and family: I'm deeply saddened by Dick's passing. He was my longtime Tencap doubles tennis partner at Rockhill, where we lost a lot of matches, won more than a few, and always had a great time on the court, in post-match fellowship and at parties at the club. I admired and will remember his dry wit, good humor and mild-mannered approach of never taking anything too very seriously. May he rest in eternal peace.

Paul García

June 2, 2016

David and Family, I am glad that you posted the guest book and obituary online, it gave us who knew your dad slightly to respect and esteem him/his memory more, especially (for me) the tennis part and the voter suggestion part! :) May his memory and life's work as a minister and guide/friend/spouse/parent inspire all of us. Hugs from Florida.

David Hardy

June 2, 2016

Jenny and I send our condolences to Dick's family. He married us on November 11, 1989 at our home and also conducted the wedding ceremony there for my son, Justin, and his bride, Sabrina, in 2006. I have many fond memories of social occasions with Dick, Tracy, Mark, David and Emily. I remember Dick as a soft-spoken, gentle man with a rich sense of humor, clear and firm beliefs.

June 2, 2016

Dear Tracy, David and Susie in particular,

Punky has just informed us of Dick's passing and our hearts are heavy and our love goes out to you with this sudden change in your lives. Even tho we didn't really know Emily and David's wife and their children, knowing Dick I know they were precious. He was one of the most impressive people in our world. We certainly will be honoring his memory in the future discussion/vote in the election. Great thing to say to everyone! As Ever, Pat and Marshall Martin

Karen Rogers

June 2, 2016

My heart and prayers go out to your family as it faces this sudden loss. Karen Randolph Rogers

John Becker

June 1, 2016

Mary and I knew Dick for only a short time, but during that period he was a dear friend and colleague. We often discussed the issues of the day, of which there are many, in a witty, intelligent and accepting manner. He is a friend whose wit and wisdom will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Friday lunches will not be the same without him.

May God bless you, Dick.

Mary and John Becker

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