VOGEL, William (Bill)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, March 08, 2012 William Vogel On March 5, 2012, William (Bill) Vogel went home to be with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on Dec. 12, 1923, in Bigelow, Minn., to James and Trina Vogel. At 14 months, his Uncle Henry and Aunt Minnie adopted him and raised him on a farm in Orange City, Iowa. During WWII, Bill was proud to serve his country as a medic in the navy from 1942-1945. He had a passion for teaching and taught in Lynden Christian School in Washington, Ripon Christian, Ontario Christian and Upland Junior High School in California, and part-time at Azusa Pacific College. Bill earned a master's degree in science education from Washington University in St. Louis in 1962. He had a great love for God and His creation, as displayed in science and theology. This coupled with his love for his students made him a great teacher who impacted thousands over his career of 28 years. In his retirement years, he taught ESL classes, volunteered with the Mobile Missionaries Assistance Program, created beautiful artwork, wrote poetry, and even wrote a book as a statement of His beliefs and faith to pass on to future generations in his family. His favorite things to do were spending time with his family and sharing his faith with everyone he met. He is preceded in death by his two brothers, Frank and James. He is survived by his wife Rachael of 62 years; his five children, William (Beth) Vogel, Daryl (Susan) Vogel, Deborah (Mike) Maestri, Scott Vogel, and Glenn (Deborah) Vogel; and his 23 grandchildren; and 30 and counting great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Gus (Audrey) Vogel and Nelvin (Corrine) Vogel; and sister Margarite (Roger) Griffieon. A celebration of his life and memorial service is taking place 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Willow Hills Baptist Church in Prescott. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donation gifts are sent to Trinity Christian School, 1077 Mogollon Road, Prescott, or trinitytricity.com/page15/php, and Good Samaritan Village, 1030 Scott Drive Prescott, or good-sam.com/index.php/about_us/donate/?locId=462. Information provided by survivors.