James Edward VOGEL

August 5, 1936 - January 22, 2024 Age 87, of Savage, MN, passed away on January 22, 2024 surrounded by his family. Jim was the son of Henry D. Vogel and Mary Anna Beuning, born in their home in St. Paul. He was a member of the first graduating class of Sibley High School in West St. Paul and attended the University of Minnesota. He married Marlene Judith Blaeser on July 15, 1961 and shared 59 years of marriage with her. His legacy is the beloved family that grew in their love. Jim is predeceased by his wife Marlene, his brother Ben Vogel, his sisters Elizabeth (Glen) Wilwerding and Rita (Bernard) Moshier, his infant siblings Mary Frances, Joseph, Mary Ann, Ralph and Theresa Marie Vogel and brothers-in-law Bud and Robert Blaeser. He is survived by daughters Joan (Paul) Skluzacek and Mary (Robert) Gunn; sons Bernard (Linda), Chad (Judy), Andrew (Dorie) and Anthony (Lynn) Vogel and by grandchildren Elizabeth (Jacob) Nielsen, David (Cara), Nicholas and Blake Skluzacek, Audrey and Evan Gunn, Madeline (Matt VanKeulen), Rachael and Nora Vogel, Gregory (Mikayla) and Lindsey (Chris Daliere) Vogel, Matthew and Abigail Vogel, Mariah (Matt) Kluge, Jonah, Sophia and Daniel Vogel, honorary granddaughter Rachel Swanson and great-grandchildren Elodie, Isabel and Henning Nielsen, Lucas Skluzacek, Ellie and Henry Kluge and by his siblings John (Dolores) Vogel, Tom (MaryAnn) Vogel and Mary (Simon) Hellermann, sisters-in-law Mimi Vogel, Judy (Robert) Kokaisel, JoLynn Blaeser and Phyllis Blaeser, and by dear friend Jane Victor and her family. He had a large circle of extended family and friends who will miss him. Jim was a manufacturing engineer for Donaldson Company in Bloomington, MN for over 4O years, working in the development of engine and industrial air, oil and liquid filtration systems. He was an avid reader of non-fiction and read countless books about history, politics and science. He often played cards with his friends at the Savage Senior Club. He enjoyed walking, particularly in natural settings. A favorite activity was ballroom dancing and his particular favorite was the waltz. Above all, Jim loved children and babies and advocated in support of mothers and fathers. He was known as "Opa" to many beloved young people. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on February 3, 2024 from 2-6 p.m. at the Royal Cliff, 2280 Cliff Road, Eagan MN 55122. It will be a social time with sharing of memories, concluding with a meal at 5:00. McNearney-Schmidt Funeral Home Shakopee 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com