Rodney Vogt

Rodney Vogt was born June 1, 1930 in Lind, MN, the son of Clarence and Lena (Draeger) Vogt. Rodney grew up on his parents' farm. Following his graduation from high school in 1948 Rodney joined the United States Navy. He served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean aboard the destroyer, USS Steinaker. While spending time in port in Italy Rodney took advantage of the Alps and enjoyed some downhill skiing. The Navy trained Rodney as an electrician; he used this training to make a career for himself.

Following his discharge from the Navy Rodney returned to Minnesota. On January 1, 1954 Rodney was united in marriage to Gladys Rohloff in Evansville, MN. The couple made their home in Willmar, MN where children Debra and Michael were born. Rodney moved his family to Melby, MN and then to Evansville where the family lived when James and Ronald were born.

In 1958 Rodney started his own electrical contracting company. In 1968 he moved his family and business to Alexandria, M. Eventually Rodney partnered with his three sons in the business. In 2005 Rodney retired from the family business.

Rodney was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing in the summer and winter. His favorite fishing spots were north of the Arctic Circle where he loved catching monster-size lake trout. To get to these remote spots Rodney relied on something else he loved doing. Rodney earned his pilot's license in 1962 and loved to go flying. He owned several planes over the years and often flew his Cessna 180 with floats up into the arctic wilderness. Rodney also loved to hunt. He hunted for birds, waterfowl, deer, moose, wolves and elk. Despite bagging thirteen moose, the elk always eluded Rodney.

Rodney enjoyed other outdoor activities with his family and friends. He loved taking his family downhill skiing. Snowmobiling and playing a round of golf were things Rodney enjoyed. Rodney was also a member of the American Legion Post 87, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, the Alexandria Golf Club and the Elks Club in Alexandria.

On Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Rodney died at the age of eighty-six years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Vogt; and one sister, Karen Chekel. Rodney is survived by his children Michael Vogt of Alexandria, James Vogt and wife, Paula, of Garfield, MN, Ronald Vogt of Alexandria and Debra Guenther of Garfield; grandchildren, Jared, Jenna, and Jade Guenther, Cary and Camille Vogt; one great granddaughter, Hasani Vogt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 AM to 1:30 PM Monday, April 10, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Interment in Mound Grove Cemetery will be private.