Bernard E. Vogel

Bernard E. "Bernie" Vogel, 88, of Topeka, passed away April 29, 2010 at his home.

He was born July 25, 1921 in Rossville, Kansas, the son of Henry and Myrel (Hall) Vogel. He was a graduate of Berryton High School. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army,78th "Lightening" Infantry Division during WW II, participating in the Battle of the Bulge receiving the Bronze Star.

He was employed by Kansas Sheet Metal retiring in 1983. After retirement, he worked for Highland Park Bank for 13 years.

Mr. Vogel was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church, Arab Shrine, Legion of Honor, Philip Billard Post No. 1650 of V.F.W., Capitol Post No. 1 American Legion, Moose Lodge No. 555 and Carousel Dance Club, all of Topeka. He was inducted into the American Softball Association Hall of Fame after playing and managing men's fast-pitch softball for over 40 years.

Bernie married Maxine Fries on October 18, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Debbie (Jack) Crowell, Topeka and Denise (Doug) Ryan, Marysville, KS; a son, Dennis (Maggie) Vogel, Overland Park, KS; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his brother, Hank Vogel, Manhattan, KS; his sister, Reta Holmes, Topeka. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amber Vogel and 3 brothers, Edgar, Thurman and David Vogel and a sister, Louise Vogel.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday, May 3, 2010 at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka. Interment with military honors by Ft. Riley Funeral Detail will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery,Topeka. Mr. Vogel will lie in state after 1 p.m., Sunday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital Transportation Fund, 1305 S. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66612-1332.