Cornelius   Vogel

Cornelius Vogel of Grand Rapids, age 90, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 27, 2014 after a brief illness.  He was preceded in death in 2003 by his wife of 52 years, Rayda (Dykstra), and by his two brothers, Frank and Peter Vogel.   He is survived by his children, Ted (Bethany) Vogel of Ann Arbor, Laura (Roger) Monsma of Kalamazoo, Steve (Jane) Vogel of Winfield, Illinois, and Ron Vogel of Grand Rapids; his six grandchildren, Rebecca (Steve) Chapin, Aaron Monsma, Rachel (Bill) Geisert, Marie, Lisa, and Peter Vogel; and his three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Elijah, and Luke Chapin; a brother, Alfred Vogel of Rock Valley, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Dykstra of Evansville, Indiana. He is also survived by a special friend of recent years, Ann Boermans.  Neil was born and raised on a farm between Sibley, Iowa, and Bigelow, Minnesota, the third son of John and Anna (Runia) Vogel, where he was known by his given name, Cornie. He graduated from Bigelow high school and proudly served his country in WWII with the Army in Europe. Following the war, Neil earned his bachelor’s degree at Calvin College, where he met Rayda, and earned his master’s degree at DePaul University in Chicago. Neil taught at West Side Christian School in Grand Rapids for most of his 38-year teaching career. A quiet and gentle man, Neil’s life reflected his deep faith in God and devotion to his family. At Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church, and later, Princeton CRC, Neil frequently served in many volunteer and leadership roles. He also actively volunteered at Crossroad Bible Institute until just prior to his death. Neil lived at Raybrook Estates for the last nine years, where his active life reflected his many interests. Visitation with family and friends will be at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Chapel, 4646 Kalamazoo SE, Kentwood, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, and at the Raybrook Manor Chapel on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral service for Neil will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at Raybrook Manor chapel, 2121 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, with Pastor David Poolman officiating. Interment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Kentwood.    Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Rest Christian Homes, Crossroads Bible Institute, or Princeton Christian Reformed Church.