Bernie Vogel

Bernie C. Vogel, 83, a resident of Bettendorf, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at Trinity Medical Center. A gentle and contemplative man, Bernie considered death a promotion and looked forward to being embraced by God in his new life.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, August 5, 2011 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where he was an active parishioner for 55 years.  He will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport.  Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 4, at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home of Bettendorf, beginning with a prayer service at 4:00 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Church or a charity of your choice.

He was born December 22, 1927 in Chariton, Iowa, the son of Jacob & Anna (Hammes) Vogel.  One of six boys, he lost his father at an early age and was raised by his mother and extended family in Keokuk County. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II.

Bernie graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport with a degree in music.  He began his teaching career in Clarence, Iowa where he taught music in all grades.  In 1954, he married fellow teacher Mary Frances Corkery in Tipton, Iowa, after successful matchmaking by their superintendent. The couple moved to Iowa City, where Bernie earned a Masters degree in music from the University of Iowa.  He taught vocal music at Bettendorf High School, where he put great heart into All-State competitions and directing school concerts and musicals.  He served as the national president of Modern Music Masters, a school music honor society.

Bernie retired from teaching in 1979 and founded and ran Vogel Commercial Roofing until his retirement. He was a member of the Bettendorf Rotary Club for over 30 years where he enjoyed playing the piano to open each meeting.

At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, he founded the men's choir in 1962, and was commissioned by the Diocese to write the music for the first English High Mass in 1965.  He led the Lourdes choir for many years, and also served as choir director at Christ the King Church in Moline.

Faith was the center of Bernie's life. He felt called to share and cultivate his faith, and to help others cultivate theirs through many programs he led and participated in, including the National Day of Prayer, Called and Gifted, Life in the Spirit seminars, and Full Gospel Businessmen's Association.  He was a friend to many with troubled lives.

In another example of faith, Bernie was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. There was always hope for next year.

His life is celebrated by his beloved wife, Mary Frances; his children, Jerome (Mary Lata) Vogel of Flagstaff, Arizona, Monica (Bruce) Mills of New Port Richey, Florida, Colonel John (Jill) Vogel, US Army, of Vicenza, Italy, Sarah (Jerry) Dow of St. Louis, Missouri and Amy (Matt) Sagues of San Rafael, California; his grandchildren, Tyler & Brian Mills, Grant, Parker & Elliott Dow and Carmen & Lucy Sagues; his brothers, Jim Vogel of Des Moines and Louis (Marianne) Vogel of Atlanta, Georgia, and sisters-in-law Gertrude Vogel of Davenport and Edrie Vogel of Wichita, Kansas.  Bernie was preceded in death by his brothers Alvin, Ralph & Vernon Vogel.  Bernie will be missed and fondly remembered by his extensive family and those who knew and loved him as a fellow parishioner, teacher and community member.