LeRoy Joseph Vogl

LeRoy Joseph Vogl

LeRoy Joseph Vogl followed the setting sun, into the arms of his beloved family members and friends. In the first few moments of Feb. 4, 2018, before the sun arose again, LeRoy drew his last breath on Earth, in the Boundary County Community Restorium.

LeRoy was born to Joseph and Ruby (Dietz) Vogl in Salem, Ore., on Dec. 6, 1926. As an only child, he had visions of sailing the seas and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944, receiving Basic Training at NTC Farragut, and proudly serving aboard the USS Honolulu. LeRoy’s stories of his Navy days were colorful and entertaining as were all the stories he told throughout his life. He was known far and wide for his storytelling, jokes and pranks.

LeRoy married Barbara Weidner in 1946 and his daughter, Karen, was born in 1947. LeRoy and Barbara later divorced.

LeRoy met Annette Bauman in Astoria, Ore., and the two married on April 23, 1955, at The Hitching Post in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. They soon moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to begin what would be 53 years of marriage. In 1960, son Michael Lee was born. In 1961, son Mitchell Roy arrived, to complete the Vogl family in Bonners Ferry.

LeRoy was known far and wide and could always be counted on to appear in a costume at any event. He was Santa Claus for many years, delighting children at Brunch with Santa, and the residents of the ECF wing and Restorium each Christmas Eve. He belonged to and volunteered for many organizations including the VFW.

LeRoy coached golf, was the pitcher on a fast pitch softball team, and was known for his talents in the Logger Events at Kootenai River Days. LeRoy was President of the Intermountain Logging Conference, bowled on the Gene’s OK Tire team, and was a member of the 10 for 10 investment club. He served as a Bonners Ferry City Council member, a Lutheran church board member, and was an avid golfer and the Master of the “two-click 7 iron.”

More than anything else, LeRoy was a proud logger. He retired after 35 years, in charge of Quality Control, at Moyie Lumber Company, renamed Georgia Pacific, and then Louisiana Pacific. LeRoy enjoyed his time with his friends and a more loyal friend could not be found. Hawaii golf vacations were quite memorable. Lake Havasu and Palm Springs were never the same after LeRoy and his friends visited. He enjoyed his Wednesday afternoon “Board Meetings” at the Moyie Store, later in life.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents here in Bonners Ferry, and his loving wife, Annette, in 2008. He is survived by his daughter Karen (Fred) Hansen in Portland, Ore., his sons Mike Vogl and Mitch (Rhonda) Vogl in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

One day all suffering will end. Our tears will dry up permanently, and we will be safe in God’s arms forever (Rev. 21:4).

A short service will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2018, and followed by a Celebration of Life at Mugsy’s, in downtown Bonners Ferry. Food and beverages will be served.