Charles Vogt

Charles E. Vogt, 81, of Detroit Lakes died suddenly on Thursday, July 16, in Detroit Lakes. Charles (Charlie/Chuck) was born April 14, 1934 in Detroit Lakes to John and Julia (Lind) Vogt. He was raised and went to school in Detroit Lakes, graduating with honors from Detroit Lakes High School in 1952. He entered the United States Army in 1957, serving as a flight mechanic and ground crewman at The Presidio in San Francisco until his honorable discharge in 1959. Charles married Nancy Marilyn Allen on May 2, 1959 in Stockton, California. The two of them road tripped through Yosemite, Yellowstone, and then Niagara Falls so Charles could be introduced to Nancy's family in New Brunswick. They then drove back to Detroit Lakes, settling into a home on Little Detroit Lake, where they raised a family of four children. Charles worked for his close friend Dick Tovson's company, City Transfer, early in his adult life, and was then "The American Linen Man" for many years before ending his working career as the Becker County Parks Coordinator. Charles didn't talk much. But when he did, he said a lot. He had a great laugh and was great with his hands. They were huge, and they comforted many kids and animals. He had a way about him, even with dogs, cats, and chipmunks. He loved fixing up old cars and solving everyday problems with his ingenuity and whatever he could find in his well-stocked garage. He enjoyed being outside, reading Louis L'Amour novels, playing golf and bowling, going to the casino, and telling stories about his life (once you got him going). Charles was a devoted family man who cherished his wife. He demonstrated every day to his kids and grandkids the importance of simply "showing up" in life. He was steadfast and uncomplicated. He was a DL hometown boy who made a lot of friends and had precious few enemies. He was easy to get along with but was sometimes underestimated, and he surprised some people when he spoke up and voiced his opinion. He will be well missed, but with far too many stories to be forgotten.

Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy Vogt of Detroit Lakes; one daughter, Kathryn (Joel) Frost of Stillwater; three sons, Michael (Portia) Vogt of Prior Lake, Mark (Judith) Vogt of North Aurora, Illinois, and Peter (Adrianne) Vogt of Moorhead; 11 grandchildren—Skylar, Tess, Andrew, Thomas, Nerissa, Dana, Gavin, Isaac, Theo, Kathryn, and Kian; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Charles in death were his parents; brothers Douglas, Richard, and John; sisters Birdie, Gloria, Erma, and Elizabeth; and daughter-in-law Lois. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23 at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, with visitation time one hour before the service. David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Memory Care unit at Emmanuel Nursing Home (Ecumen) in Detroit Lakes.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Service
Thursday, July 23, 2015

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