Ronald Wayne Vogel

Ronald "Ronnie" Vogel was truly a "one-of-a-kind" kinda man. He loved Jesus wholeheartedly and fully accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith guided his life, his family, and the way he loved others.

Ronnie spent his life as a truck driver - though he never once considered it just a job. He loved everything about the open road. In 2012, when health challenges forced him to give up his CDL, it was a difficult season. But God had already made a way. His nephew called and said, "I got ya, Uncle," and brought him on as Maintenance Director at VTI. Ronnie embraced that role with the same dedication and pride he carried his entire life.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 20 years, Diana Vogel; his daughter, Stephanie (Brandon) Yates; and his bonus daughter, Sarah Moline. His greatest joy was being "Papaw" to his seven grandchildren - Bailey, Elliott, Brantley, Branson, Braydon, Grayson, and Paige. They were the light of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia Mae Vogel and Melvin Vogel, and his sister, Sandra Kranning.

Ronnie is also survived by his brother, Larry (Patty) Vogel; his wife's siblings - Allen (Judy) Raab, Rita (Larry) Ludwig, Ray Raab, Susan Tekulve, David (Jennifer) Raab, and Julia (Dave) Nobbe - along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who loved him dearly.

Ronnie loved the simple and meaningful things in life - camping trips, fishing, and sitting beside a crackling campfire. He could smoke a pork butt that would melt in your mouth and was proud of creating his own Ugly Drum Smoker (UDS). Smoking meat was his specialty, but feeding his family was his joy.

He especially cherished time with his grandchildren, teaching them the most important things in life - like how to fish.

Ronnie was a passionate man who loved fiercely, protected faithfully, and encouraged boldly. He wasn't afraid to give tough love when it mattered most. We were blessed beyond measure knowing he was always in our corner.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we rejoice knowing he is home with his Savior.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Jessen Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5 PM until 8 PM. A prayer service will be conducted during the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help offset funeral costs.