James (Jim) Vogel of Rollingstone, MN passed away on October 18, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center in Wabasha, MN.
Jim was born on June 29, 1943 in Fond du Lac, WI to the late Frank & Regina (Melchoir) VogeI.
Jim attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI where he received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1965. Jim moved to Logan, Utah to continue his studies and in 1968 received a Ph.D. in chemistry. Jim then moved to Winona, MN where he taught chemistry at the College of Saint Teresa from 1968-1989. He continued his role as chemistry professor at Saint Mary’s University of MN until he retired in 2009.
Jim dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the art of teaching. A passionate educator, his unwavering enthusiasm for science and teaching left a lasting impact on his students. He had a special talent of fostering a love of learning.
Jim met the love of his life and future wife, Mary Jane Fugere, while attending college, and on August 20, 1966 they were married. Together they raised five children.
Along with teaching, music played an important role in his life. He enjoyed classical music and church hymns. He loved singing, playing the trombone, drums, and keyboard. For many years he sang with the Winona Oratorio Choir. He also participated in performance tours in Germany and Ireland with the Winona Diocese Pilgrim Choir.
He was a devout and active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. In 2014, he was presented with the Bishop’s Medal honoring him for the many years he served as choir director, lector, cantor, and high school CCD teacher for his parish. He was also an active member of the Winona Aeromodelers and the American Chemical Society.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Jane, children Rebecca, Christopher, Anne (Steve) Stensgard, David (Cheryl), and Sara Vogel, his grandson Dylan (Anna) Stensgard, great-granddaughter Evelyn Stensgard, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Regina Vogel; his sisters Thelma (Bob) Mand, Sandra, Marlene, and Jeanne Vogel; his brothers Florian (Theresa), Robert (Dorthy), and Donald Vogel; and granddaughter Riley Stensgard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone, MN. Visitation will precede the liturgy at 9:30 a.m. Following the service, everyone is invited to join the family for a luncheon in the Community Center.
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