John "Jack" Vogelsang

Dateline: Godfrey John D. (Jack) Vogelsang 86, passed away suddenly at his home on the afternoon of August 14, 2015. Jack was doing what he always loved the most, working in his yard. Jack lived a highly satisfying and productive life as a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, friend, and neighbor. Jack was born in Brentwood , Missouri, Oct 14, 1928 during the Great Depression and attended St. Mary Magdalene Church and grade school. He moved to Alton when he was in 9th grade and attended Alton High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII and was stationed in the Pacific. He was part of the “Greatest Generation” who felt the need to come to the aid of his country at this time. He brought back many life experiences from the Navy that helped him develop a great work ethic and a dedication to his community and country. On completion of his time in the service he returned to Alton and met and married Mildred Perica on December 30, 1950, at St. Mary's, forming a bond that lasted for close to 65 years. Jack started his family in the early 1950’s. Family was the most important to him. Jack enjoyed the outdoors very much, and loved animals and spent many hours working in his yard. He volunteered time helping groups beautify the area, planting trees, flowers and shrubs. He was an avid St Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed fishing and spending his winters after retirement on the Gulf Coast of Florida. He enjoyed traveling to visit his children and grandchildren throughout the country and participating in their activities. He worked as a chief operator at Standard Oil Company/BP Amoco where he retired in 1992. He was a life-long member of St. Ambrose Church, and VFW Post 1308. Jack was preceded in death by his parents Ervin (Scottie) Vogelsang Sr. and step-mother Dorothy Vogelsang, mother Lucille Clark, a twin brother Ervin (Chick) Vogelsang Jr. and brother-in-law, Pete Perica Jr. (Delores). He is survived by his wife of 64 years Mildred nee Perica, Vogelsang, sister-in-law Rosalie Vogelsang, brothers-in-law Paul Perica (Patricia) of Godfrey, IL Ray Perica (Sue) of Lakeland, Fl, and Ken Perica (Ellen) of Cincinnati, Ohio, daughters, Dr. Judy Vogelsang, Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Pam Vogelsang Hampel and her husband Dr. Jeff Hampel of Prairie Village, Kansas, Linda Benson and her husband Ken Benson of Naples Florida, three grandchildren Stephanie, Lauren, and Christopher Hampel of Prairie Village, Kansas. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews throughout the country. Dad, Poppy, we will miss you, your extraordinary Fourth of July barbecue, and all the love and care you gave to all of us through the years! Heaven just gained a master gardener and griller! Visitation will be held at Gent Funeral Home, 2409 State Street, Alton, Illinois on Monday August 17, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 820 West Homer M. Adams Parkway, Godfrey, IL 62035 on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. The family suggests memorials to VFW Ritual Team, Five A’s Humane Society and St. Ambrose School or masses. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Tributes

John "Jack" Vogelsang

October 14, 1928 - August 14, 2015