GILBERT VOGEL

1958 - 2022

GILBERT MICHAEL

VOGEL

Jan. 28, 1958 Dec. 27, 2022

Gilbert Michael Vogel passed away on December 27, 2022, in his home in El Centro. Everyone who knew him called him Mikey. He was born on January 28, 1958, to Hans and Jeanne Vogel of El Centro. He was the second child of five and grew up in a boisterous household. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School and Central Union High School. He started working on the family farm at a young age, where he developed his legendary mechanical skills. In 1978, he started dating his wife, Karen and the two were inseparable. He knew she was the one when she didn't mind being covered in grease while helping him change a clutch on a harrow bed. They were married in 1980 and had three children: Kristy, Robert, and Matt. Most of their family time was spent outdoors in the desert, river or shop.

Accolades and titles were not things that he cared about. It didn't matter who you were or where you came from; he was always there to lend a helping hand, a listening ear or some advice. He had a way of finding wayward souls and helping them along their way. He was a brilliant mechanic, welder, fabricator and cook. He leaves a legacy in all the lives he touched, and his skills live on in those he mentored.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanne. He leaves behind his father, Hans; his siblings, Butch (Sandy), Yvonne (John) Burgun, Karl (Amy), Ted (Heidi); his wife, Karen; kids, Kristy (Nick) Curry, Robert (Kayla), Matt (Allison), and the loves of his life, his grandchildren: Demi, Carsen, Ryan, Ethan, Jackson, Weston, Makenna, Braxton and Lilliana. His many nieces, nephews and friends who became his family.

Services will be held at St. Mary's Church on January 10, 2023. Rosary at 10 am, Mass at 11 am, and burial at Evergreen Cemetery. Celebration of Life at IV Swiss Club at 1 pm.