Rosenberg business entrepreneur and civic leader Robert Louis Vogelsang, whose contributions included reinvigorating his city’s historic downtown, died Feb. 17, 2021 at age 77.
Bob Vogelsang was born in Dallas on Sept. 18, 1943 to Lewis and Bernice Vogelsang. Bob’s father was a career officer with the Army Corps of Engineers who retired to Brownsville, Texas, where Bob and Bob’s sister Anne were raised.
While attending the University of Texas at Austin, Bob re-introduced himself to former Brownsville school mate and future love of his life Marcia Putegnat. They were married on Sept. 3, 1966 and after school moved to Dallas where both earned advanced degrees while working.
Bob and co-workers at Collins Radio used their own time to create a company that enabled the pay-for-viewing of movies in hotel rooms. In 1972 the company was incorporated as Spectradyne, and the enterprise ultimately served 600,000 hotel rooms worldwide.
Bob and Marcia moved to Houston in the 1970s and spent personal time in Rosenberg where Bob’s grandparents lived. He sold his Spectradyne interests and exported modular homes to markets in the Middle East. He then returned to the satellite TV market and secured a contract to connect antenna to apartment complexes.
Meanwhile, Bob had inherited half of his grandparents’ home on Second Street and the Vogelsang building on Avenue G. He bought his sister’s interests and he and Marcia renovated the residence, where they moved in 1979. Bob’s love affair with historic Rosenberg then grew in earnest.
Grandfather L.A. Vogelsang had moved his family and his general merchandise business to Rosenberg from tiny Ellinger in 1912. From an initial leasehold on Third Street, the business was relocated to the two-story Gray and Son building at the corner of Avenue G and Second Street under a lease-purchase agreement.
In the early 1980s, Bob opened the office of his newest venture, National Satellite Programming Network, in the building and hosted the well-attended National Satellite Technology Institute. He later worked with the Cast Theatrical Company troupe, which began producing plays in the theater on the upper floor. Most of the building was and is occupied by tenants of the Vogelsang Antiques Emporium, Ol’ Railroad Café, BR Vino Wine Room, Downtown Studio Salon and Creative Learning Society.
Bob branched out in terms of community involvement, joining the Fort Bend Museum Association and soon thereafter becoming its president. Marcia, who had taken an administrative position with the Lamar school district, joined the museum volunteers. Bob was also active with the Rosenberg Rotary Club, West Fort Bend Management District and the Fort Bend Boys’ Choir.
In 1986, Bob joined with other downtown stakeholders to create the Rosenberg Downtown Development Association, which among other achievements gave birth to the Rosenberg Railroad Museum and staged the inaugural Christmas Magic downtown festival. Bob later served as board president of the railroad museum association.
The Vogelsangs’ civic contributions did not go unnoticed. The Fort Bend Board of Realtors in 1989 honored Bob as its Key Person of the Year for his role in revitalizing downtown Rosenberg. He and Marcia jointly received the 2014 Heritage Award for historical preservation from the Fort Bend County Historical Commission.
To all who knew him well, Bob was a true and loyal friend who maintained close connections through many years. With his boisterous energy, big smile and contagious laughter, one always felt welcome around Bob because he loved to share in his life; making it all but impossible to turn down his invitations.
First and foremost, Bob valued family and was a loving husband and exemplary father. He extended that affection to his in-laws, nieces and nephews and to their children; relishing every opportunity to celebrate their joys and accomplishments. As a community, as friends, and as a family; we will all miss him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Anne Armitstead; and beloved son James Lewis Vogelsang. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marcia Putegnat Vogelsang.
A private service will be held at the family’s request. In honor of his memory, we will be hosting a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorial Donations may be made in Robert Vogelsang’s name to The James L. Vogelsang Scholarship Fund, 1909 Ave. G, Rosenberg, Texas 77471.
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