Valerie Jean Vogel

Valerie Vogel left this world Jan 29, 2021 from complications of COVID-19.  She was 90.

Valerie was born April 21, 1930 to Martin and Regina Sandvik.  In 1946, she and her mother and brother barely escaped the Green Gables tornado.  She realized that little in life is assured, so when she shortly thereafter danced her way into the heart of the dashing Gene Vogel, they began a journey that would emphasize family.  Together they had six children; the extended family eventually included 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren (with at least one more on the way.)  Valerie also loved dogs, not only her own -- she and Gene always had a dog -- and family members’ dogs were always welcome in their home.   Valerie loved nothing more than celebrations with family -- all the holidays, weddings, birthdays, baptisms and reunions filled with extended family, and, she also loved celebrating her Irish heritage on St. Patrick’s Day.  She truly valued all of her relationships with family and friends and loved to have fun.  Valerie was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. John's Church in Mankato.  Her family warmly imagines her being welcomed into the next life by Gene and other family members, who will order her up a steak with extra salt and a margarita.

Valerie is survived by sons Mark of Naples, FL and Scott (Jessie) of Rosemount, and daughters Jeanne (Peter) Steiner of Mankato, Terri (Dave) Hauser of Maple Grove, Denise (Jim) Bauer of Maple Grove and Bridget (Brian) Timerson of Farmington, as well as by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her younger brother, Terry Sandvik, sister in-law Rita Sandvik, and brother in-law Clark and his wife Joyce Vogel and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, mother and father, and brothers, Bob (Marti) and Ron Sandvik, sister in-law Ann Sandvik, brother in-laws Dale (Dottie) and Marv (Gloria) Vogel. 

There will be a private service for immediate family on Saturday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. with a live stream option by following the link below.  The video will be available for one week following the service. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI1PX8GDjIwogMRtgq5nKuA/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=1

We hope that all of her extended family and friends will take a moment to celebrate Valerie’s life, and we expect that at some future date we will have a chance to celebrate her beautiful life together.   

Memorials are preferred to BENCHS (Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society) or to Gene’s Kids (a family foundation set up to assist kids/families in need). 

Arrangements by Mankato Mortuary.