Van A. Vogel

With great sadness, the family of Van A. Vogel announced his passing away peacefully at home on August 29, 2025 after an extended illness. Born on June 11,1949, in Woodstock, Illinois to Harold "Hud" and Clara (VanEvery) Vogel, Van was a beacon of wisdom, generosity, joy and creativity in the community he cherished. Van grew up in the historic Greenwood Schoolhouse where his love of learning and history were first sparked. After his parents passed away, Van continued to maintain his childhood home, the old schoolhouse, throughout his adulthood.
With an early eye for real estate, 50 years ago he bought his "house on the hill" on the shore of Wonder Lake where he resided with his beloved wife Penny until his death.
Van graduated from Milton College in1972 with a degree in Communications. His career after college was as diverse and vibrant as his interests, beginning with his time working for the Youth Service Bureau of the Woodstock Recreational Department where, among other things, he was a Zamboni driver! Van further supported local youth as a teacher at the McHenry Alternative High School inspiring countless at-risk students.
In the mid 1970's, Van was a disc jockey for WXRD Radio in its early days on the Crossroads program. When Van first began broadcasting, the temporary studio was in an RV parked at the base of the transmitter towers out in the middle of a farm field! Eventually the studio moved to the Old Courthouse in Woodstock with a window studio for fans to watch the live broadcast. Van's voice became familiar to many listeners, a testament to his warm and engaging personality.
The world of real estate was where Van truly made his mark, joining Hud Vogel's Choice Realty while still in high school and eventually becoming a respected Real Estate Agent with Advantage Realty/GMAC in 1986. His dedication to his profession was evident until his retirement in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and excellence in service. For Van, real estate was a natural fit because he loved his community. He said, "Wonder Lake is a great place to live, it's easy to sell when you love it so much and the fishing is good too!"
A man of many talents, Van was an accomplished musician who sang and played multiple instruments including the piano, guitar, banjo and ukulele. He was especially well-known as the bass player with the JW Rice Band and The John Todd Band. He played for over 40 years and many remember dancing or toe-tapping while the band played at, among other venues, The Town Tap, After The Fox, Blarney's Island, countless private weddings, and at home before the Wonder Lake Fireworks. Several of Van's original songs were favorites among his fans especially with his comedic delivery while never missing a note. Van was seldom without his guitar and often entertained family and friends wherever he traveled.
Van was a long-standing board member, and until recently Vice President of the Wonder Lake Property Owners Association, Wonder Center. Van's service to the Wonder Center was especially appreciated for his ambitious approach to getting things done and for always sharing his vast knowledge of the association's history.
Van was a skilled technical director for the Illinois Storytelling Festival for many years and his technical expertise was put to good use at the Woodstock Opera House, where he served as a sound technician. Van's commitment to community and his desire to always give back was further showcased by his longtime support of the McHenry County Historical Society. Wherever he went, Van connected with people and would inevitably run into an old friend or make a new one.
Van's hobbies included the tranquility of fishing off his pier, bundled up in an ice shanty or just enjoying a cruise on his pontoon with a cold Coors, some tunes playing, his First Mate Penny by his side. Every autumn, Van faithfully cheered on his beloved Chicago Bears and he always thought "this could be the year." Van was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed the simple pleasure of a good book - so long as it was non-fiction! Many loved ones will remember his pizza-making days, his yummy lobster boils and, for some lucky few, the healthy heirloom tomato and pepper seedlings he would start every Spring then share with fellow garden enthusiasts. Anyone who knew Van also knew how much he loved sporting his colorful Hawaiian shirts, the playful nature of which was reflected in Van himself.
For over 45 years, Van was devoted to his soulmate and wife, Penny S. (Disch) Vogel, a loving father to daughter, Kati Jane Papen, a wise and supportive father-in-law to Jeff Papen and a most-adored Papa to his granddaughters, Jazmyn Pippenger and Ella Jane Papen. His family was his pride and joy, and the love he shared with them was immeasurable. Van is also survived by his adoring siblings-in-law, Candy (Bob) Malone, Fred (Jeanine) Disch, Jim (Karen) Disch, Bill (Missi) Disch and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Van was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Barbara Ann Vogel.
The words that best describe Van-fun, creative, generous-only scratch the surface of the incredible man he was. The laughter and love Van brought into the world will continue to echo, reminding us all to live life with a little more music and a lot more joy. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him and in the community he helped to shape and enhance.
Van Vogel's story is one of a life well-lived and a man well-loved, his memory a treasure to all.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 2, 2025 at the VFW in McHenry, IL from 12:00 until 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Van's memory to the McHenry County Historical Society or to St. Croix Hospice. For information, please call the Justen Funeral Home, 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Van on his tribute wall.