John Vogel Obituary, Death – John died on Friday without any pain or suffering in the last seconds of his life. He was raised on a farm in North Dakota, where he was born and raised, but when he turned 21 he left his farm labor behind and enlisted in the military. He participated in the Korean War for two years as an artillery specialist. He met Elizabeth (Betty) Zentner after receiving an honorable discharge from the service, and they eventually got married.

They chose to raise all four of their children in Billings, where they had built their house with the aim of raising a family there. Prior to her death in 2003, Betty and John had been married for a total of 48 years. His time spent working in the garden was by far his favorite activity, and the gorgeous blooms that he cultivated there will be his most enduring legacy. The images that were most meaningful to him were those that he had taken himself of his great-grandchildren.

Even though there were times when he was unable to distinguish their adorable faces, on the days when he could, they brought him joy. We want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped with the provision of medical care for our father. The compassion and attention the employees at Lasting Legacy Assisted Living provided to our father while he was a resident there is something for which our family will be eternally thankful. We are appreciative of the Billings VA Clinic’s great care and attention to all of our loved one’s medical requirements.

He was predeceased by his wife Betty, his parents Jacob and Rose, and his sister Rose Virginia. He was the last of his family to live. His siblings Annamary, Robert, Katherine, Betty, Pete, Cecilia, and Lorenz are left to mourn their father’s passing, as well as his lifelong friend and 15-year partner Angie Haupt. He has spent the last 15 years with Angie Haupt. His descendants today include all of his children, including Keith (and Kathy), Todd (and Cindy), Jim (and Peggy), and Cindy and Jackie.

He was their all-encompassing parent (Gregg). I have the honor of being Shana, Lauren, Drew, Jessie, Megan’s grandpa, as well as Zoey, Declan, and Parker’s great-grandpa. All of my great-grandchildren and grandchildren are loved by me. He is also survived by a considerable number of nieces and nephews from both of his parents’ families.