"Phyliss and Family We will all miss Bill and the friendship that he emanated. Though our relationship started 15 years ago, as a business one, it soon became more. We always had a smile when he walked through our door, whether it was to inquire, generously drop off a recent photo of automobile art, or to challenge us about something. Our thoughts are with you."
In loving memory of
WILLIAM A. VOGELMANN
February 3, 1941 - January 23, 2014
William A. (Bill) Vogelmann drew his final breath at home with family by his side and entered into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 23, 2014. Born on February 3, 1941 in Iron Mountain, MI he was preceded in death by his parents William and Violet (Lupini) Vogelmann. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, children Eric, Heidi (Dennis) Miron, Greta (Phil) Arnt, and step-daughter Karyn (Jerry) Juntunen, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and mother-in-law Lorraine Metsala.
A graduate of Kingsford High School, Bill received his BA from Michigan State University and his MA from Northern Michigan University. In 1996 he retired from the State of Michigan, Michigan Rehabilitation Services where he worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Some of his many interests included photography, tennis, cross country skiing, motorcycling, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and his cat, Harvey.
Honoring Bill's wishes, a private Christian graveside service and memorial will be held in the spring. Bill's family would like to thank U.P. Hospice for the wonderful care he received.
Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who wait on the Lord will find strength. They will fly high on the wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Condolence Message"
"Phyllis and Family I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. May God's Grace comfort all of you in this most difficult time. Bill was a great friend to me and I loved him like a brother. We had many good times together professionally, playing tennis, and salmon fishing in Lake Huron. Being a hyper individual, myself, I really enjoyed Bill's easy going demeanor. He was a great student of the Bible and definitely a spiritual mentor to me. Bill taught me many things and this world has lost a beautiful soul. Thank God I know I will see him when my time on this planet is up. Bill and I shared a love of tennis and once played a set that took 24 games to finish, the set score was 13 games to 11 and a 100 laughs. Once I was driving a company car south of Rose City when a big doe jumped from a ditch and disabled the vehicle (busted radiator). It was very cold while we waited for the Sheriff to make his report. We had a couple of bow hunters fighting over who was going to take the deer. Then the tow operator came to give us a ride while towing the disabled vehicle. Well it turned it out he was quite inebriated and was driving all over the road. We said a prayer of thanksgiving when we made it to West Branch. The above stories are just a couple that come to mind. Sometimes Bill flew to Lansing to attend our monthly meetings. Sometimes the plane was more upside down than right side up but Bill was able to take it in stride. So I too have been grieving the loss of a best friend. This was my third time trying to make a condolence post to the family. The first is out there in the internet as Mr. Canale said the message never showed. Guess my nerves and lack of typing activity made getting this note together much more difficult than it should have been. God Bless you, my brother, Bill. I was privileged to have your friendhip during our brief time on this earth."
"Dear Phyllis, You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I read the news online of Bill. I will continue to think of you as a very precious couple and my fond memories of your love for one another, your Christian testimony and the fellowship we shared will continue to bless my life. I am happy for the years you and Bill had together and will pray that God now comforts you in ways that will meet the deepest needs of your heart. Love in Christ Jesus, Lynn."
"Phyllis So sorry to hear of your beloved Bill's passing into eternal life. His deep faith helped him in his great suffering. May you and family find peace in knowing he is in the arms of Our Lord and you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of Bill. My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow."
"Phyllis and family. Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill for many years with the State of Michigan, Michigan Rehabilitation Services. I have fond memories of Bill being very laid back, and always smiling :) Thoughts and prayers going out to you and your family during this difficult time!!"
"Phyllis we are very sorry to hear about Bill. Though I've known Bill only a short time as a neighbor and friend I was very lucky and glad to have known him. I thoroughly enjoyed our many "over the fence" conversations and the many good laughs about life we shared. It is very sad to know he has passed. I will miss him. His struggles here are over and I'm sure he is in a better place now. May you find solace and comfort in the coming days . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family."
"My sincere condolences to your family. Bill and I worked together at MRS Insurance program for 10 years. I enjoyed spending time with him when I traveled to the UP.He was a great rehab counselor,providing a quality of services to person's with disabilities. He has many stars in his crown. God BLESS BILL! Barry and Candy Reinink"
"Phyllis and family, My mother (Shirley Campbell0 contacted me to share the sad news that Bill passed away. I will keep you and your family close to my heart. I can't help but think back to the day you and Bill traveled to our home after my brother's death. All of Larry's friends came to our home and shared stories and memories including you Phyllis and Bill. Bill's stories of fishing together really touched my heart as that is what those two friends liked to do together. Thank you from my heart for being there for our family and I'm praying that this note brings you all a little bit of comfort. Sandy & Bill Curnow"
"So sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was a good friend for many years and visited our home in Presque Isle often before we moved to Sault Sainte Marie 21 years ago. He took a picture of a deer with an old rusty bucket on it's head that we had put in the newspaper and I still have that clipping. Am glad his suffering here on earth is at an end, but will miss his friendship forever..."
"Phyllis-We are so saddened to hear about the passing of Bill. We have fond memories of him as a such a friendly, gentle, and soft-spoken Godly man. May God give you peace and comfort in this difficult time. Wayne & Karen Haske"
"Phyllis & Family, I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill for a number of years when he worked for the Insurance Program of MRS. He was such a sweet man! When he got together with Larry at our annual meetings, they would bring a smile to all of us. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. God Bless You, Bill - Mary Kittle"
"To: Phyllis, Eric, Heidi, Greta & Karyn I am very sad to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill for many years when he was in Escanaba and he helped me a great deal working with disabled veterans. I have very fond memories of the backpacking and photography trips we made over the years and, of course, that dry sense of humor he had. God will give you strength and peace, as he did for Bill. Keep the faith. Peace and love, Gary Bjorkquist"
"Phyllis and family, Although we only met once you know our son had mentioned you quite a few times in his fish stories,and though Bill is gone, be thankful that his suffering is over. Take comfort and lean on the family and friends, and know our thoughts are with you. Shirley Campbell"
"Love you Dad."
"Bill was my first friend when we moved to Aurora and the only one that kept in touch with over these 60 odd years. One of us would contact the other and we could pick up right where we left off. I am grieving too. May God give you His comfort and strength day by day. In His Love, Gary Kins"
"To Bill's family: Shocked to learn of Bill's death at such an early age...we attended same church while we both lived in Escanaba and served together on church board. Bill was a true gentleman. May our heavenly father grant you peace that passes all understanding till you meet once again in His kingdom. God Bless, LeVonne (Bonnie) Yelland"