Kathleen Marie Vogelsang

Kathleen Marie Vogelsang, age 82, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years Richard Vogelsang; her loving son David (Patricia Bladow) Vogelsang; her cherished grandchildren Delaney (Alex) Rafael, Ben Vogelsang, Teagan Coomans, and Carly Vogelsang; her dear siblings Don (Michelle) Nykanen and Beatrice Kumpula; her dear former son-in-law Kenneth (Carrie) Coomans; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in passing by her proud parents Nester and Lillian Nykanen; her loving daughter Lynn Marie Coomans; and her dear siblings Dagney Hoffman and Bertha Saari.

Kathleen was born and raised in the small town of Ashland, WI and grew up on on her father’s farm in Maple, WI - milking cows deep in the snow.

After graduating high school in 1960, she and her very best friend Dee Gramer, hopped on a bus to Chicago, IL - where several of Kathy’s older sisters lived. Kathy, Dee and their other friend Carol Bonnes rented an apartment together in North Chicago and applied for work at Abbott Laboratories. 

Kathy was originally hired as an inspector of Sterile Ampoules & Vials in D-872. 

Soon after beginning work at Abbott, Kathleen met Richard there. Richard (Vogie) worked as a bottle washer & chemical weigher where pills were manufactured at Abbott. The two of them could be found at local dance halls amongst many friends who also worked at Abbott or lived in the area. She was convinced to dance by his infectious joy and persistency. Kathleen and Richard quickly fell in love. 

They were married Oct. 23, 1965 and welcomed their son, David Lee, the following year, followed two years later by their daughter, Lynn Marie.

Kathleen took a 16-year hiatus from working to raise their children, returning to D-55Y at Abbott Park as a secretary in 1982. She made the decision to retire in 1998, anticipating the birth of their first grandchild. 

Outside of work and her dedication to her family, Kathleen liked to bowl, garden, go to Polka dances and travel around the world. 

Using their timeshare, Vogie and Kathy visited most states - known to catch Cubs Spring Training in Arizona or tour the state of Florida visiting their snow-bird friends. They took a Viking River Cruise, an Alaskan cruise, several polka cruises, a 50th Anniversary trip with the whole family to Hawaii - and many more. 

As a wife, mother and grandmother, Kathleen was the matriarch of her family. She never forgot a birthday card or an Easter basket. She was compassionate and gave freely to those who needed it. She was direct, to-the-point and did not fear charting her own path. She was honest and believed in building an honest life.

She will be dearly missed by her loved ones and all those whose lives she touched.

Friends and family will meet for visitation from 10AM-12PM on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL. The funeral service will begin at 12PM and will be followed by the entombment at Warren Cemetery and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kathleen's name to the BreakthroughT1D (formerly JDRF) would be greatly appreciated.