Donald William Vogt

The funeral service for Donald William Vogt, 80, Aberdeen will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Pastor Deb Grismer officiating. Burial at Riverside Memorial Park. Donald died Monday, March 19, at Bethesda Home. Visitation: 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 21, with family present from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St. Donald William Vogt was born on June 11, 1931 to William and Hattie (Dummann) Vogt in Clear Lake, SD. He grew up and attended school in Watertown, graduating in 1950. He attended the University of Nebraska, the University of South Dakota and graduated from Northern State Teacher's College. Don received a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and a Master's Degree in Education. Don married Roberta C. Bryson on May 31, 1953 in Watertown. They lived in Watertown where he taught social science and coached football, basketball and track. In 1958 they moved to Aberdeen. Don was involved at Northern State University where he served as a graduate assistant, coached football, and was the Dean of Men, Dean of Students and Director of Alumni affairs for 20 years. Don served as a high school administrator in Wood, Selby and Eureka. Upon retirement, he was a substitute teacher in the Aberdeen School District. Don excelled at sports throughout his high school and college career. He was a star on both the football field and the track team. Don was inducted into the Watertown High School Arrow Hall of Fame in 2001 for his achievements on the field. He was also on the Argus Leader South Dakota All-Time Football Team. He was 5th team All-American running back in 1949. Because of his talent on the field, Don was heavily recruited by many colleges. He received a scholarship from the University of Nebraska and started as a running back in 1951. Don later joined the NSU football team and helped lead the team to an undefeated season in 1953. He was named to the NSU Hall of Fame in 1979. Don was instrumental in starting the wrestling team at NSU. Don's faith was an integral part of his life. He was a devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he served as President of the church council, numerous committees, ministerial outreach programs and as a volunteer wherever needed. He also served his community and was active in the Lion's Club where he served as District Governor for South Dakota. He was on the board at Bethesda, was active in the Retired Teachers Association and was President for AARP in South Dakota where he received the Andrus Award in 2003. Don was an avid fan of University of Nebraska and the Minnesota Twins. He loved his family and always looked forward to time spent with his granddaughters and great grandson. Grateful for having shared Don's life are his son, Doug (Kim) Vogt, Aberdeen, daughter, Victoria (Duane) Hurley, Milford, IA, granddaughters, Jessica (Eric) Schable and Rebecca Hurley, great grandson, Aiden Schable, brothers, Herb (Janet) Vogt, Alfred, ME, Bill (Jean) Vogt, Kalispell, MT, and Jim (Judy) Vogt, Powell, WY, and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta on March 18, 2002, his parents, and his sister, Darlene Vogt. The family prefers memorials to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.