Alan Paul Vogel, 68, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, at Ava’s Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.
Alan was born on February 17, 1957, in Fairmont, Minnesota, to Henry and Mary Vogel. He grew up on the family farm with his siblings Larry, Sue, and Marilee, where he learned the value of hard work and developed his lifelong love of farming. Alan especially cherished the years farming side by side with his father, building both skills and memories that stayed with him for life. He continued farming with his dad into his early 30s before moving to Sioux Falls, where he began a new chapter working for his father-in-law at Piorier Equipment as a heavy machinery salesman.
Alan attended Fairmont High School and later Golden Valley Junior College, where he met the love of his life, Elise (Elli) Piorier. They were married for 48 years and built a life centered on faith, family, and friendship. Together, they raised two daughters, Karly and Kaitlin. Alan was a proud grandfather to Luke and Avery, sons of Karly and her husband Matt, and the beloved “Grandpup” Judy, Kaitlin’s dog.
Alan was a true gear head who loved anything with a motor and was always up for new adventures. From motorcycles and snowmobiles to cars and trucks, he was always ready to ride. He loved fishing—especially when it meant spending time with others—and never passed up a chance to make memories outdoors. Alan also enjoyed tinkering with radios as a young man, carrying a lifelong curiosity for how things worked. And, in true Alan fashion, he had a bit of a pyromaniac’s heart—whether it was a bonfire or a burn pile, if something could be lit, he was the first to grab a match and a smile. He was deeply social and never met a stranger; if he walked into a room without knowing anyone, he walked away with a new friend.
His faith was central to who he was. Alan loved the Lord and was never afraid to share his beliefs openly. He gave back through kindness, conversations, and community—befriending, encouraging, and helping people wherever he could. In his final days, Alan drew great comfort from the words of Psalm 23, holding them close to his heart.
Alan is survived by his wife Elli; daughters Karly (Matt) and Kaitlin; grandsons Luke and Avery; grandpup Judy; siblings Larry (Margo), Sue, and Marilee (Greg); brothers- and sisters-in-law Jane, LouAnne (Ronnie), Bud, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Mary; his father and mother-in-law Al and Ethel, brother-in-law Keith, and sisters-in-law Ruth and Joan.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 18, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. A funeral service will be held Friday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m., also at Heritage Funeral Home. Following the service, friends and family are invited to follow in their classic cars for one last trip to Hardee’s in honor of Alan’s love of his beloved Chevy truck.
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