Daniel R. Vogel

Daniel R. Vogel, age 85, passed away at his home on January 31, 2017, with family members at his side after a short illness. He was born at home near Helena on July 26, 1931, to George and Clare (Essenmacher) Vogel. Daniel served his country from 1952 to 1954 in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean conflict. Daniel married Mildred Messing on August 25, 1956, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth, Michigan. Daniel was an active member of the Holy Apostles Parish where he participated and volunteered at many parish functions. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1961 and was a fourth degree member. He was also a trustee of the Ruth Knights of Columbus Council and Building Corporation. Daniel was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, Post Number 5740 of Ruth. He was a very active member in his community. Daniel served on the Minden City Council for the past ten years. He was a former member of the Saints Peter and Paul School Board. He was a past member of the Board of Review for Minden Township and the Zoning Board for Minden Township. Daniel was a life-long farmer and retired from farming at the age of 82. Besides enjoying being with his family and friends, he loved to play euchre, travel, go dancing, and listen to polka music. Daniel is survived by his wife, Millie, of 60 years; two daughters, Sandy (Tom) Rutkowski, Ubly; and Dr. Jody Vogel, Denver, Colorado; five sons, Jeremy (Laura) Vogel, Caseville; Rick (Sandy) Vogel, Ubly; Gene (Rochelle) Vogel, Minden City; Jay (Stacie) Vogel, Bad Axe; and Joey Vogel, Washington Township; fifteen grandchildren; two step grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one sister, Rose (Doug) Banker; one brother, Herbert (Pat) Vogel, one sister-in-law, Janice Vogel; five brothers-in-law, Carl (Rose) Messing; Harold (JoAnn) Messing; Dan (Matilda) Messing; George (Diane) Messing; Harvey (Elaine) Messing; and one sister-in-law, MaryAnn Leppek. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Marcus, Jerry, and Ray Vogel; one sister, Lillian Vogel; and two brothers-in-law, Sam Messing and Mike Leppek. Mass of Christian burial will celebrated for Daniel at 11:00 am Saturday, February 4th at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Holy Apostles Parish, Ruth, Michigan. Rev. Christopher Coman will officiate. Burial with military honors by the Ruth VFW Post #5740 and the American Legion Post #197 of Harbor Beach will be in the church cemetery immediately following the mass. Visitation will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly on Friday from 2:00-9:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00-10:00 am. There will be a rosary by the Knights of Columbus at 4 pm on Friday and a parish vigil service at 7 pm. Both services will be at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family discretionary fund.