Sarah Vogel, 85

Sarah Elizabeth Vogel, age 85, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10th. Sarah was born in Wabash, IN on September 27, 1928 the daughter of Joseph L. and Flossie (Tippy) Elliott.

Sarah spent her childhood years being raised on the family farm. She pursued her education by earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Oberlin University and a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University in Guidance and Counseling. In 1949 she was united in marriage to Donald Wayne Kroggel. Sarah later was united in marriage to Ralph A. Vogel on August 4, 1973.

Sarah began her local teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Flowerfield Twp, MI. She spent many years teaching at Hoppin School before moving into the counseling field, first at Huss, and then later at Three Rivers High School. Sarah truly enjoyed her students and was a respected member of Three Rivers Community Schools and was awarded Outstanding Educator of the Year.

She served the community in a number of capacities including: president of the Three Rivers Education Association (TREA); president of the Three Rivers Women’s Club and also served as chairman of the state scholarship committee; Fabius Township Board Trustee; Trustee and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers-Centreville where she served on many committees as well; Lord of the Lakes committee; member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW); member of St. Joseph County Republicans; past president of Fabius Association of Concerned Citizens. Sarah also chaired Three Rivers Crop Walk for a number of years.

Sarah was a wonderful cook who loved to prepare many meals for her friends and family and cherished many happy times with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading and was a member of several local book clubs. She also loved to travel; Sarah and Ralph enjoyed many adventures all over the world.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Donald W. Kroggel; sisters, Ruth Moore, Rebecca Elliott, and Doris Sauder; son-in-law, Robert McDonough.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, husband, Ralph A. Vogel of Three Rivers and her step-children, Terry Vogel, Christine (Vogel) Horsmon, Kathleen Vogel, Barbara Vogel, Lisa (Vogel) Sussex and their families; daughter, Katie McDonough; son, John (Barb) Kroggel both of Three Rivers; sister, Lois Gill of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren, John (Amanda) McDonough, Thomas (John Hannes), Kevin (Leslie), and Kristopher (Anastasia); great grandchildren, Dillon, Grady and Rosie.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home on Friday, October 18, 2013 at the Hohner Funeral Home

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers, with Rev. Brenda Deily officiating.

Interment will be held at Harwood Lake Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers-Centreville’s United Community Assistance Program (U.C.A.P), Three Rivers Hospice, and either of the youth camps on Corey Lake (Camp Wakeshma and Camp Eberhart). Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hohnerfh.com.