James L. Vogel, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at Wesley Acres in Des Moines, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 16, at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

He was born on May 27, 1920 at the family farm in Derby, Iowa. James graduated from Sigourney High School in 1937 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 to train as a Naval cadet. He received his wings and rank as an Ensign. James was awarded the Royal & Unique Order of the IFIS Brotherhood of the Mystic Pattern Sea. His next assignment was a flight instructor. After serving 18 months instructing, he was sent to New Guinea where he delivered supplies to the war front. James was honorably discharged as a Lt. in 1945.

James graduated from the University of Iowa where he met his wife Patricia Vogel. After graduation, he worked for the Fuller Brush Company as a field manager and was then promoted to branch manager in Omaha and finally in Des Moines. In 1963, he changed careers and became an independent insurance agent and created a successful agency. He also owned and managed real estate. James was a member of the Investment Club since 1958, Knights of Columbus, and St. Theresa Catholic Church.

James and Patricia loved to travel. Europe and Alaska were some of their favorite trips. James continued to travel after the loss of Patricia in 2006. His last trip was to Israel at the age of 90.

James will be greatly missed by his son Tom Vogel of Des Moines, his daughters Mary (John) Conger of West Des Moines, Ann Vogel and Jean Fox, both of Des Moines; brother, Louis (Marianne) Vogel of Atlanta, Georgia; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Mary Frances Vogel and Gertrude Vogel of Bettendorf. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia and his parents, Jacob C. Vogel and Anna Margaret (Hammes) Vogel; and four brothers Alvin, Ralph, Vernon and Bernard.

James Louis Peter Vogel (1920)