Jenell Mae Vogel, 60 years old, of Winona, Minnesota, passed away Friday, October 22nd, 2021 at her home in Winona after a long 11-year battle with cancer.
Jenell was born April 7th, 1961, to Floyd and Lenora Mercer in Money Creek, MN. She graduated from Houston High School in 1979. She met the love of her life, Randy Vogel, and they married on September 26th, 1987.
Jenell worked at Watlow for more than 40 years before leaving due to health complications. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family such as shopping with her daughter, Ashley. She liked to watch the Minnesota Vikings with her family. She also enjoyed traveling to the cities to see her grandchildren play sports. She was known for her delicious cheesy potatoes, which were highly requested at family gatherings. Jenell was a devoted Christian. She attended the Church of the Nazarene (now known as Lighthouse Church) here in Winona and often helped with church functions and activities. Jenell will be remembered most for her kind heart and warm smile. Jenell is no longer "sick of being sick" as she often said - instead she is reunited with her mother, Lenora, and at peace.
Jenell is survived by her husband, Randy Vogel of 34 years; daughter, Ashley (fiancée Rachel) Vogel; stepson Jesse (Brenda) Goerts; two grandchildren, Jacob and Alyssa Goerts; father, Floyd Mercer; two siblings, Kyle Mercer and Cindi (Ron) Van Loon; family cat, Marley; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Jenell was preceded in death by her mother, Lenora Mercer.
The family would like to thank Megan Gruden (Jenell's oncologist) and the Rochester Mayo Clinic oncology and chemotherapy staff. We would also like to thank the Winona hospice staff Sheila, Mary Beth, Heather, Jennifer, and Emma for all their loving care and support. We love you all and you'll always have a special place in our hearts. We also thank Hoff Funeral Home and Lighthouse Church (Nazarene) for their help and support during this time.
Memorial Service will be 12 p.m., Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Lighthouse Church (Church of the Nazarene, 469 Orrin Street, Winona) with the Reverend Sean Fletcher officiating. Visitation will be 10 a.m., until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and/or the Winona Humane Society. Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
Debbie Bambenek wrote on Nov 4, 2021:
"To the family of Jenell- to lose someone so very dear and close to your heart, there are no words. Jenell has been so very sweet to me, whenever I would meet up with her. She worked with my late husband, Rich. Cancer sucks. It steals so much, but it can\'t steal the memories and the love in your hearts. May you all find that special peace in your hearts, of memories created. She was a very special woman and she will continue to live, through you all. My prayers for peace and comfort, are with you. God bless. -Debbie Bambenek"
kim milene wrote on Nov 2, 2021:
"i never met jenell but i knew her husband randy very well rand worked at hallenords corp. and also at behrens in winona so sad to hear the passing of jenell my prayers go out to family friends extended family rest in peace "
Mary Cummings wrote on Oct 29, 2021:
"To Jenell\'s family. I worked with Jenell at Watlow and sat beside her every day at break and lunch. She was a good friend , R.I.P. Jenelle
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Julia McCluskey wrote on Oct 28, 2021:
"To Jenell\'s family,
I\'m so sorry to learn of Jenell\'s passing. We started 2 days apart in 1979 in the press room at Watlow. We shared the same last name but we were not related. We quickly became friends and one day we decided we would be sisters instead.
My friend and sister may you rest in peace without pain. You will be missed."
Faye Owens wrote on Oct 28, 2021:
"To Floyd & family: So sorry to hear of Jenell\'s passing - Thinking of you all.
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Bob and Tammy Barth wrote on Oct 27, 2021:
"We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers and may Jenell be at peace with no more pain. "
Marilyn Wick wrote on Oct 27, 2021:
"So sad to hear this I also knew Janell when working at Watlow. I remember her saying she was sick of being sick. Rest In Peace dear Jenell . "
BUCK ROXI wrote on Oct 27, 2021:
"Sweet Janell! I first met you working on the line at Watlow yrs ago. You were a very nice and precious lady!! We will miss your smile!! Please watch over your family and friends and fly high!"
Allen Hanson wrote on Oct 26, 2021:
"To Jenell?s family,
I am so very sorry to learn of Jenell?s passing, surely her strong spirit and faith sustained her through her long illness journey. May God comfort you in life as he comforts her in eternity.
On behalf of the entire Hanson family from Canton I send our deepest condolences and prayers.
Allen Hanson"
Tess Holzer wrote on Oct 26, 2021:
"To Jenell\'s Family,
Jenell fought the battle and fought it with all she had. She was one STRONG gal and she told me she was tired. I loved being her secret snowman at Christmas time, I just wanted to put a smile on her face, and that I think I did. This last Christmas she did figure out who her secret snowman was. Thinking of all of you as you walk through this difficult time, and asking God to show you HIS love. Rest In Peace my friend and fly high with the heavenly angels. You will be missed. Tess"
Paulette yeske wrote on Oct 26, 2021:
"So sorry for your loss Randy and Family. Prayers for you and yours"
Ashley Vogel wrote on Oct 26, 2021:
"My beautiful angel "
Vicki Grotjahn wrote on Oct 25, 2021:
"Jenell was a wonderful woman and she will be missed forever. My prayers are with her family and with everyone that had the pleasure to know her, including me."
Annette (Otis) Larsen wrote on Oct 25, 2021:
"I am deeply saddened to hear that Jenell has passed. Growing up, she was always my favorite cousin. I have so many fond memories of playing together when we were children and going out on the town when I was a student at Winona State. Blessings to the family - her kindness and beautiful spirit will be missed by many."