Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
John Vogel
John Louis Vogel, 80, of rural St. Marys, OH went home to be with the Lord on January 7, 2026, in Bonita Springs, Florida, with his loving wife by his side.
John was born on May 27, 1945, in Celina, Ohio. He lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and service to his community. He was the son of Vernon and Christina (Manzelman) Vogel, and was greatly influenced by his older brother, Robert Vogel.
John shared 59 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sue (Dicke) Vogel. Together, they built a family that brought him immense pride and joy. He is survived by his children, Don (Mindy) Vogel, Elaine (Rich) Allen, and Rachel Vogel (Ryan). He was a devoted grandfather to Evan Vogel (Nicole), Andrew Vogel, Aidan Allen, Rease Allen, Heaven Bolinger, Lily Bolinger (Lucas), Israel Flora and Christian Flora, and a proud great-grandfather to Luca Amato and Axel Lyons. Each of them brought special joy to his life.
John was a proud graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School (Class of 1963), where he earned the FFA State. He later graduated from The Ohio State University and returned to his Alma Mater to teach vocational agriculture. He organized the St. Marys Chapter of the Ohio Young Farmers. Following his teaching career, he became co-owner of a John Deere dealership, and then, eventually, transitioned to farming full-time.
He served on the Ohio Young Farmers' Council, being named its president in 1976. His commitment to his community was evident through his service to the St. Marys Board of Education, Board of Directors for Midwest Electric and the Auglaize Co. Fair Board.
A man of faith, John was a life member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was re-baptized in Bonita Springs, FL, as a testament for his love for Christ.
John was an avid woodworker and collector/restorer of farm toys, antique tractors and Chevrolet Corvettes. He leaves behind a legacy defined by dedication - to his family, agriculture, education and faith in God. His contributions touched many lives across generations and communities.
The family of John L. Vogel would like to thank family and friends for the outpouring of love, prayers and support received from his St. Marys community and the IBE community in Bonita Springs, FL. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 210 N. Wayne Street, St. Marys. Burial will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.
Visitation 3 - 7 p.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West) in St. Marys.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfuneralhomes.net or through the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook page.
