Zapata, TX- John George Vogel, 59, passed away in Laredo, TX on Thursday, October 27, 2005 following a brief struggle with cancer. John was born in Racine on July 26, 1946. At age 17, he faithfully joined the United States Marine Corps to fight for our Country in Vietnam. With a passion for helping his fellow “brothers”, John served 3 separate tours in Vietnam. He was awarded many citations and medals including the Purple Heart (w/1*), Rifle Expert Badge, Vietnam Service Medal (w/9*), Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Gallantry Cross Color (w/silver*) and the Navy Commendation Medal (w/1*) just to name a few. After returning home to the States, John served as a recruiter in Conroe, TX. Following, he was employed in oil field industry, mainly in the Gulf of Mexico. John eventually worked as a oil rig operator, trouble shoot engineer and repairman, and gas line supervisor. Becoming an accomplished repairman, his employment took him all over South and North America servicing oil rigs. John was a member of the AMVETS and the VFW Antonio Garza Post 7768 in Zapata, TX. He will be dearly missed! Surviving are his daughter, Marina Cora (Steve) Miller of Keenan, WI; parents, Jean (John) Wishau and Robert (Margaret) Vogel, both of Racine; longtime friend and former wife, Barbara Vogel of Rhinelander; sisters, Terri (Bill) Barke, Ruth (Mike) Jansen, and Joan Wishau; brother, Peter Wishau; nieces and nephew, Lisa (Doug) Frompton, Hannah Barke and Sam Barke; other dear relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy; and brother, Jack. In accordance with John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be celebrated on Friday, November 18, 2005 at 12:00 noon at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., with Rev. Holly Anderle officiating. Inurnment, with military honors, will follow at S. WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. There will be time to visit with the family on Friday, Nov. 18th, from 11 am – 12 noon. In memory of John, memorials to the All Saints Cancer Center or to one’s favorite charity are encouraged.
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