Daniel Vogt

Daniel D. Vogt passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at home after a valiant fight with cancer. He spent his final day lovingly comforted by his family while soothed by his beloved, ever-present music. Dan was born on August 11, 1948, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Floyd D. and Marie A. (Nancy) Keating Vogt who preceded him in death. A brother, Christopher A., also preceded him in death. Dan is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol J.(Rowse) and by his sons, Gregory A. of Phoenix, Arizona; Christopher J. of Hickory Corners, Michigan; and Elliott K. of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dan’s granddaughter, Elena C. Cole, the wonder of his life, also survives. Dan also leaves behind brothers Timothy J. Vogt of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Jonathan B. and his wife Mary F. (Sisca) of Koror, Palau; and a sister, Mary A. Bobrofsky of Hanover, Indiana. He is also survived by many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews who will miss his smile and his presence. Dan was a 1966 graduate of St. Philip High School in Battle Creek, Michigan. Danny was a good, if sometimes playfully disrespectful student, who made many lifelong friends. He was an all around athlete who excelled on the basketball court. Drafted into the US Army in 1967 he soon rose to the rank of Sergeant. His most memorable assignment occurred while he was stationed in Berlin, Germany as part of the 4th Battalion of the 18th Infantry Division of the Army. On February 26, 1969, President Richard M. Nixon visited the Berlin Wall, reassuring the Berliners that they had US support. Because of Dan’s outstanding leadership qualities he was selected for the prestigious position of Guidon Bearer for his Company, Bravo Company, as Nixon reviewed the troops. This was the first time the president had reviewed ANY troops. Dan was previously employed by Clark Equipment Company and drove a bus for the City of Battle Creek. He retired from Grand Trunk Railroad after 35 years as a Telecommunications Technician. Sports were a large part of Dan’s life. It didn’t matter if he was participating in or watching from the stands or on TV. He coached his sons in baseball and basketball and passed on his love of the game...any game. His most memorable times included attending the NCAA Elite Eight tournament as a Duke fan; attending all of the 1984 Detroit Tigers World Series home games; and attending the 2010 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia when Phil Mickelson won. Dan’s enthusiasm and joy over being selected to attend this event was evident, even years afterward, whenever he talked about it. Dan was a proud member of the Bud Club Golf League that played at Marywood Golf Club every Thursday. He was the league’s Masters Champion in 2000. He loved the folks in the league like family. He was a die-hard, never jump off the bandwagon supporter of the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Redwings. Dan loved boating. The bigger the waves the better. “Dan, want to head across the big lake this weekend? Only 3-5 foot waves expected.” His reply. “Sure, let’s go!” And winter fishing? The thicker the ice the better. He shared these prepared little smelt morsels with anyone who had never tried smelt...even if their enthusiasm for the fish never matched his. Dan also loved open water fishing on Lake Michigan and area lakes. The bluegill, whitefish, and salmon that he caught made for some tasty dinners. Dan was a music lover of all genres. He could discuss artists, and melody and songs for hours if you’d let him. His playlist was well over 12 hours long. He attended many, many live concerts. Music was the accompaniment to his life. Dan was also a lover of unusual, poetic, political, and truth-telling tshirts and hats. And he wore them proudly. There was always a great story behind the clothing choice. This story gives you a glimpse into Dan Vogt. But it is just that. Dan was so much more than the list of accomplishments and life choices mentioned here. He was the love of his wife’s life; the foundation of trust for his sons; the never-tiring playmate for his granddaughter. Dan was the first one to offer help when a difficult task was at hand; the first one to offer a congratulatory handshake or a sympathetic hug; the first one to embrace whatever the day brought; and the last one to leave when he knew help was still needed. Dan was truly one of the good guys. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Hospice Care of SW Michigan for their loving care and quiet support of Dan and the family during these last weeks. The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Dan’s name to the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, www.glcsf.org, located at 10100 E D Avenue, Richland, Michigan 49083. A tribute to Dan will be held at 11:00 AM this Saturday, November 14th, 2020, at Marywood Golf Club, 21310 North Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan, 49017. The family asks that you please dress warmly, bring a chair as the service is outdoors, wear a mask, and social distance.