Ronald Harry Vogt

Ronald Harry Vogt, age 76, of Rochester Hills passed away peacefully on March 7, 2022, at Troy Beaumont Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Ron was born in Boise, Idaho, on March 27, 1945, to Leona (née Eckerman) and Harry Vogt. His childhood included much time in the great outdoors of Idaho and Washington, including on his Swiss grandparents' farm in Eagle, Idaho, along the Boise Front Range. Swiss heritage and values were a cornerstone of his upbringing and instilled upon him through his parents and immigrant grandparents. Those values of honesty, responsibility, and hard work would lead Ron through his entire life.
In 1963, Ron graduated from Moscow High School in Moscow, Idaho, and continued his education at the University of Idaho. He graduated with a degree in Business and Applied Science in 1969 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Ron earned a Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces in Vietnam.
After Vietnam, Ron transitioned from active duty to civilian service with the U.S. Army. He completed an Army Materiel Command trainee program in Rock Island, Illinois, and chose to be based at the Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) in Warren, Michigan. His decision was based on his mother's Michigan roots, the abundant recreation the great lakes would provide, and because the Detroit area offered four professional sports teams – the Tigers, Pistons, Lions, and Red Wings. He became a lifelong fan of these Detroit teams, and later a passionate Michigan State Spartans football and basketball fan.
At TACOM, Ron met the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Donna (née Piech). They were married in 1974, and shortly thereafter, Ron accepted a promotion to Tehran, Iran, where they enjoyed their brief immersion into a new culture. Ron's next assignment was in Zweibrücken, Germany starting in 1975. While in Zweibrücken, Ron completed his Master of Science in International Relations from Troy State University just in time to welcome son Michael. In 1980, Ron and his young family moved back to Michigan and to a position once again at TACOM. They settled in Rochester Hills, where daughter Krista was born.
Ron enjoyed raising his family, free time and vacations were often outdoor-oriented; camping, skiing, and exploring the continent's natural beauty. Many of those vacations were back to his native Idaho to visit family and share the natural splendor that the American West provides. While at home he enjoyed gardening and his children's athletic pursuits.
After more than 30 years of advancing logistics roles, eventually leading to the executive ranks, Ron retired from TACOM in 2002 and received the Meritorious Civil Service Award. After retirement he continued to work part-time for several years, consulting on logistics and procurement projects for a large defense contractor. As a retiree, Ron enjoyed a life full of reading, watching sports, golfing, biking, and traveling. Ron was also an active member of the Friends of the Clinton River Trail and served on the City of Rochester Hills Pathway Review Committee.
Although there is now an empty recliner in our living room, he lives on in our hearts and memories.
He is survived by his wife Donna of Rochester Hills; son Michael Vogt (Alicia Gorman) of New York, NY; daughter Krista Vogt (Ian Herbert), grandchildren Harry and Langston Herbert all of Washington, DC; brother John Vogt (Anne) of Eagle, ID; sister Janet Schultz (John) of Meridian, ID; and many dear nephews and nieces, as well as extended family.