VOGEL, Johannes

JOHANNES VOGEL 1929 – 2023 Mr. Johannes Vogel of Turin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the age of 93 years.
Johannes was born in Kamenka, Russia in 1929 to Johannes & Christine Vogel. John learned naturally through his experiences as his family travelled from Kamenka and made their way back to Germany. He enjoyed working on all sorts of machines, but especially motorcycles. He would find parts anywhere he could and used them to build bikes and motorcycles, as he loved driving and exploring wherever he was living.
After working as a mechanic in Remlingen, Germany for a number of years, he made the big step to apply to immigrate to Canada. Along with his sister, brother-in-law, niece and Aunt, he came to work on a sugar beet farm in Barhill, Alberta. It was here he started dreaming of owning his own farm.
He challenged the mechanic’s certification in Canada and moved to Bellevue, Alberta, working in Bellevue Motors. He bought his own big truck and carried coal and gravel there for the next few years. In 1958, his loving fiancé, Elisabeth, journeyed from Germany to Bellevue to marry Johannes. There, they began their lives together and started their family.
They moved to Lethbridge and John drove to Turin daily to work as a mechanic at the Turin Garage. In 1962, he purchased his first quarter of land, moving the family there to begin a life as a farmer. He worked as a mechanic during the day and farmed in the evenings and weekends. Along with his wife, Elisabeth and their four children, they built a successful farm operation over the years.
Johannes was an active member of the Turin and Picture Butte communities, especially St. Catherine’s Parish and a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. John loved to travel and made many trips south to Arizona and California for the winter. While there he built a reputation as the campground mechanic who had all the tools and know-how to help people out with any mechanical problems.
Besides his loving wife Elisabeth, Johannes is survived by his sons and daughters; MaryAnne (Greg) Schmidt – Sabina (Bryan), Michael (Baylee), Christina and Zandy. Eric (deceased) (Linda) Vogel – Brittany, Caylee, Brooklyn (Brenden) & Shaylin. Christine (John) Kobza – Erika & Daniel. Lawrence (Leslie) Vogel.
He was predeceased by his parents, Johannes & Christine Vogel and his sons Mark and Eric. He will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm, on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the Prayer Service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Johannes-Vogel and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, on Monday, April 17, 2023, at ST. CATHERINE’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 762 Crescent Ave, Picture Butte, Alberta, with Father Ian Gagne, celebrant. To Watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Johannes-Vogel and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
Interment will follow in Royal View Cemetery 5920 13 Street North Lethbridge, Alberta following the luncheon.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to The Alzheimer Society or Canadian Cancer Society.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.