Vivian Vogel

Vivian Vogel (Mrs. Ralph H.) passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, October 25, 2017, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born Vivian Myrtle Leonard, November 21, 1928, in Sac City, Iowa. Vivian married Ralph H. Vogel of Nemaha, Iowa in 1947. In 1949 she had her first of six children and by 1959 the family settled in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines. Following the sudden loss of her beloved husband, Vivian worked many years for RGIS before moving to and retiring from Generations Inc.

Vivian was deeply religious and a longtime member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church. Her faith was the essence of her life principles and she lived those beliefs. Her faith and inherently loving nature compelled Vivian to a life of charitable generosity. In her own words she believed, "We are here to help neighbors in need and a neighbor is anyone you can help." She never sat while someone was in need and she never had to be asked to help. She assisted in the classroom and with countless dinners and events for church, community, family and friends.

In 1959 she and her husband joined Izaak Walton League of Des Moines where Vivian remained a lifelong member. Vivian was an active volunteer for her beloved "Ikes". The lifelong friendships she made through Ikes blessed her life. The Ikes members were Vivian’s second family.
As a mother, wife, homemaker and community member she accomplished what few ask of themselves. Vivian quietly stepped up and worked. She did it all with a humble dignity because her greatest happiness truly came from giving. She was completely happy in her early role as a stay at home Mother where she initiated family traditions still enjoyed by the generations she led.

Vivian was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed knitting, reading, traveling, canning and gardening. She loved cooking, baking and feeding her family and friends. Her crafts filled her home, church and the children’s classrooms. Vivian joined Ralph at many of his professional dinners and public events. She was a dignified companion in proud support of the husband she was devoted to.

Becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother, she was able to guide and inspire her grandchildren and great-grandchildren through her ever-present love and wisdom. She regularly attended their school or church programs, sporting events and holiday shows.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph H. Vogel and dear sister, Barbara Rudd. She is survived by brothers, Will Ripple, Bud Ripple Duane Ripple and sister, Judie Deane. She leaves behind six children: Kathe (Tim) Kemp, Paula (Lon) TePaske, Sandy (Jim) Popiano, Fred (Dawn) Vogel, Laurie Vogel and Kurt (Marita) Vogel; seven grandchildren: Jake Popiano, Daniel (Vanessa) Popiano, Brooke Vogel, Jessica Vogel, Amanda Vogel, Taylor Vogel and Dale Vogel; and five great-grandchildren: Kaylie, Elijah, Archer, Vivian and Raelyn Popiano.

Memorial contributions in Vivian’s name may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Des Moines, the Izaak Walton League of Des Moines or Unity Point Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, on Tuesday, October 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 4003 2nd Ave, Des Moines (corner of 2nd Ave & Madison) on Wednesday, November 1, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Nemaha Cemetery in Nemaha, IA.

Her final days were made comfortable by the outstanding care assistance of Unity Point Hospice for which the family will be eternally grateful. Our family extends many thanks and deep appreciation to all who shared the joy of Vivian's life. We live on in complete confidence that Vivian has entered into her heavenly salvation promised to all of God's faithful servants.

Print