Michael Lee Vogl

As the autumn chill set in on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, Michael Lee Vogl went full speed to heaven and skidded to a stop, into the arms of his Lord and Savior. As always, Mike hung on for as long as he could. In his last week of life, God gave him all four North Idaho seasons — sunshine and blue skies, refreshing rain, the vibrant reds and golds of Fall, and a gentle snowfall; while surrounded by family and friends, who sang, prayed and cared for their beloved Mike.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2021.

Mike is the son of LeRoy and Annette (Bauman) Vogl, born and raised in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. As fate would have it, Mike entered the world on July 4, 1960. From that day forward, he never met an explosive that he didn’t like. Mike’s brother, Mitch, was born a year later. Mike and Mitch have a sister, Karen Hansen, from LeRoy’s previous marriage.

Life in Bonners Ferry was active and always a mischievous adventure for young Michael Vogl. Fishing and hunting, swimming and sports … turning on the city’s Christmas tree on the bluff by the pool, a few days early. Over the years, if you heard “Taps” playing, it was usually Mike playing his trumpet in a ceremony, or just standing alongside the river at dusk. Mike graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1978, the best class ever, and continued close friendships with many of his classmates until the day of his passing.

Mike married Sue Hallard in 1980 and from that marriage, son Joe, and twin sons Jeff and Josh were born. They lived in the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, area where they raised their children until their divorce in 2010.

Mike worked for the railroad, L.P. Mill, and Gene’s OK Tire. He worked many years in sales, for Washington Belt and Drive, and his sales calls brought him to the doors of many people, who became his lifelong friends. Mike went on to have epic adventures but the most treasured of all were the times spent with his grandchildren from Jeff and Katrina – Stephane, Sydney and Savage; and from Josh and Ashley – Tevis and Ryker. His grandkids lit up his life and they all loved him immensely.

Mike was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and pancreatic cancer in January 2020; he believed from that day forward that he was going to beat it. He inspired many as he breezed through his chemo treatments and informed his friends that he was “kicking cancer’s ass.” His spirit and resilience were contagious as he battled, and he strived to inspire others to believe in miracles. Mike took the time to visit friends who were also struggling, to strengthen their beliefs that they, too, would persevere.

Mike loved to travel, listen to music, sing, fish, hunt, garden, and spend time with his friends and family. He loved his time on the Kootenai River on his jet boat, the Little Duck, and was happy when he had a fishing rod in his hands. Time spent in fishing tournaments with Jim were especially treasured. Any adventure in the woods on his ATV, with Jon, were epic. His mushroom hunts and travels with Scott were always full of fun and laughter. He never did anything half way. As his brother Mitch would say, “Mike was all in, every day.”

Mike was preceded in death by both parents, LeRoy and Annette Vogl. He is survived by his three sons, Joe of Coeur d’Alene, Jeff and wife Katrina of Rathdrum, Idaho, and Josh and wife Ashley of Laurel, Mont.; all five grandchildren; sister Karen Hansen and husband Fred of Portland, Ore.; brother Mitch Vogl and wife Rhonda of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; and many beloved cousins, friends and relatives.

Mike will be missed by many and will be celebrated for many lifetimes. Godspeed, brother Mike. Save a place for all of us.