Frank Vogel Jr.

  Frank Vogel Jr. went into his heavenly residence the evening of March 28, 2016, at the age of 85.
  Frank was the oldest of six children born to Frank and Rose (Schulte) Vogel on March 31, 1930, in Pease, Minnesota. In 1939 his family moved west to Washington for better working conditions, climate and scenery.
  Frank married Joanne Boonstra on March 12, 1954. He was a faithful husband for 62 years and father of four children: Alvin, Elaine, Wayne and Cindy. He prayed and read the Bible to his children at every evening meal. Everson Christian Reformed Church was his place of worship and service to his God, family and country. He provided for his family as a farmer and contractor in Everson, where neighboring farmers worked together along with their families. He enjoyed reading local history and doing day hikes in the mountains with his children, relatives and friends.
  Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne; son Alvin of Bellingham, daughter Elaine (Ken) Oostra of Parma, Idaho, son Wayne (Joyce) of Lynden and daughter Cindy (Jack) Louws of Bellingham; 12 grandchildren: Kim (Evan) Einfeld, Kristy (Darrin) Longoria, Jason (Kristin) Oostra, Cindy (James) Cook, Lucas (Gina) Harrison, Joanna Jones, Gina Vogel, Anthony (Jessica) Vogel, Deborah Vogel, Jodi Louws, John (Rachel) Louws and Nathan (Torey) Louws; 30 great-grandchildren; many foster children; and his siblings Margaret Morris, Dorothy (Marvin) Teusink, Ruth Vogel, Robert (Jean) Vogel and Albert Vogel.
  Frank used his skills and served those in need as a volunteer at Lighthouse Mission Ministries for 25 years. Memorial contributions may be sent to continue his work at Lighthouse Mission Ministries, P.O. Box 548, Bellingham WA 98227.
  A time of viewing and visitation was held on Friday, April 1, in Gillies Funeral Home. A graveside committal was on Saturday, April 2, at Monumenta Cemetery followed by a remembrance of Frank’s life in First Christian Reformed Church.
  You may share your condolences and memories online at: www.gilliesfuneral home.com.
  The family thanks the staff of Meadow Greens, Christian Health Care Center and Whatcom Hospice for their compassionate care of his faithful final years.