Thelma Vogel

Biography

Thelma Marina Lehmkuhler Vogel, 97, of Gothenburg, NE died May 29, 2012 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

Thelma was born on June 10, 1914 to John and Anna Marie Christensen Lehmkuhler at the family home close to the Methodist Church on Garfield table southwest of Arnold, NE. She lived in the Arnold, Tallin and Gothenburg area. She graduated from Arnold High School in 1934 and then taught school at the Hall school north of Arnold. On May 24, 1936 she married Leslie Vogel. They made their home south of Arnold. To this union three daughters and one son were born.

Thelma was active in the Tallin Church where she served for many years as a Sunday School teacher and held various offices in the ladies group. She was active in 4-H and Home Extension. Thelma was a gifted seamstress and an excellent cook, especially in making bread and rolls. She tackled many home remodeling projects, always had a big garden and did a lot of canning or freezing as time went on and made sure her children and grandchildren never slept in when visiting. She always enjoyed reading her Bible and was involved in Bible studies even after moving to the nursing home. Family dinners were a special time for her and we were frequently reminded that if the house were still there she would go up and fix dinner for us all.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Leslie on their 70 wedding anniversary, daughter Carmen Vogel Ondrak, grandson Marc Petersen, son-in-laws Paul Hudson and Harold Birkey, her parents John and Marie, two brothers Henry and Lloyd and sister Mary Mills.

Survivors include: daughters Carol Birkey of Gibson City, IL and Doris (Mike) Petersen of Council Bluffs, IA, son Leon (Janie) of Gothenburg NE, son-in-law Floyd Ondrak of Arnold, NE. Grandchildren: Allan (Robin) Birkey, Tim Birkey, Lucinda Ondrak (Chris) Radebaugh, Denise Ondrak (Phil) Kass, Jeff (Julie) Ondrak, Karla Petersen (Ivan) Zeitz, Connie Petersen (Christian) Bateson, Carrie Vogel (Jamie) Kimmerle, Alisa Vogel (Rick) Crown, Great Grandchildren: Christy (Carlos) Calderon, Bobby (Kayla) Styck, Abby Birkey, Lynette Radebaugh (Josh) Carpenter, Hannah Radebaugh (Scott) Hochstein, Jennifer Radebaugh, Aaron, Austin, Alex Kass, Patrick, Joy Ondrak, Gavin, Matthew Zeitz, Nicholas Bateson, David, Olivia, Hailey, Hannah,Hazel Kimmerle, Madelyn Vogel, Rebecca Crown, and 6 great, great grandchildren: Grace, Atticus Hochstein, Zachariah Carpenter, Mateo Calderon, and Bobby and Zach Styck.