Joseph Stephen Vogt II's Obituary
Joseph Stephen Vogt II, 79 years of Columbia, IL, passed away on January 10, 2025 at his residence. He was born January 1, 1946, in Los Angeles, CA.
Master Sergeant Vogt joined the Army in September 1965 and retired in September 1985. He attended Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri then Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Ord, California. He was then assigned to Co B, 1st BN, 51st Infantry in Crailsheim, Germany. While there he attended the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, graduating First Place - Honor and Distinguished Graduate and therefore received promotion to Staff Sergeant with less than three years’ service.
He then attended the Army’s yearlong computer and electronic machine repair course at Ft. Monmouth, NJ. Upon graduation he received orders to the Inventory Control Center Vietnam and served 13 months in Long Binh, Vietnam from Aug 1970 to Aug 1971.
He was then stationed in Nellingen, Germany. While there he applied for and was accepted to the US Army’s Fully Funded Degree Completion Program. He was sent to Metropolitan State College in Denver Co where he finished with a BS Degree in Computer and Management Science. Then attended Graduate school at The American University, Washington DC.
Subsequent assignments included Germany and finally retiring out of Computer Systems Command, Ft Belvoir, VA.
MSG Vogt earned the following decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon w Bronze “2”. Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal w/Silver Knot, Army Commendation Medal w/ 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal.
After retirement from the IBM, EDS and various consulting positions he finally fully retired in 2000.
Joe lived an adventurous life. He loved to fly and was a certified flight instructor. Traveling and spending time with his grandchildren brought him much joy. Above all, he loved to spend quality time with Loretta and the family.
Surviving are his Wife, Loretta I. (nee Ries) Vogt; Daughter, Annette Baker; Son, Richard Stephen Vogt; Siblings, Jim (Jean) Vogt, Runelle (David) Graff, Roselle (Russel) Howerter and John (Joni) Vogt; Step-Brother, Lester Sager; Grandchildren, Bryan, Ethan, and Allison Vogt and Natasha and Andrew Baker; Brother-in-Law, Warren Reagan; along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Joseph and Ruby (nee Wood) Vogt, Sr.; Son, Bryan Vogt; Sisters, Rubymaria (Jerry) Kish and Becky Reagan; Step-Sister, Carol Sager.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL. Services will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 12:30 pm at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL., with Rev. Matthew Friz officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Wounded Warriors - Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or Tunnel to Towers - 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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