John Vogel

John Vogel passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Born to Anthony and Elizabeth Vogel, he was raised in Glencoe, Illinois, where he attended Sacred Heart and New Trier High School. He began his 40-year career as a teenager with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, starting as a conductor before advancing to police officer and special agent. He took great delight in occasionally bringing home the undercover squad car and sounding the siren for his daughters. John lived with the precision of a train schedule, always punctual to the minute. Each morning before leaving for work, he played a few hands of solitaire, treasuring the quiet moments when his girls woke early enough to help him move his aces.

He spoke endlessly about his three daughters and cherished his role as a “Girl Dad.” When his grandchildren arrived, he became an immensely proud Papa. John remained close to his siblings and looked forward to their annual trips together. A loyal friend, he made a point of staying in touch with those who mattered most to him. He had a deep love for fishing, particularly during the family’s yearly vacations in northern Minnesota, first with his daughters, then his sons-in-law, and later his grandchildren. He could be found trolling for walleye from morning until night and happily passed that passion on to his family.

John was a devoted Cubs and Chicago sports fan. Like his father, he loved golf and missed playing in his later years. He took great pride in his lawn, ensuring it was always cut straight and at the right time. He enjoyed sitting in the sun with a good book and listening to country western music. A gifted storyteller, he often shared tales of his teenage years and his cherished status as his mother’s “number one son.” Though proud of his German heritage and occasionally stubborn, he was quick to shed a tear during the National Anthem or when honoring fallen law enforcement officers. He held dear the memory of receiving a special blessing from the Pope while on duty during the Pope’s visit to Chicago.

John is survived by his daughters, Julie (Rob) Lepley, Jill (Jason) Nevil, and Jennifer (Paul) Roelke; his grandchildren, Kaylee, Kennedy, and Keaton Nevil, and Tom Lepley; his siblings, Betsy (Bruno Dambraukas) Sugarman and James (Nancy) Vogel; many nieces and nephews; and bonus family members Mitchell, Chandler and Rylen Roelke, and Makenzie and Collin Kirk. He remained close to his ex-wife, Carolyn Vogel Santostefano, and was blessed with many additional family members throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bill and Bob, and his sister Joan.