Melvin Vogt

Melvin Elliott Vogt, Sr. was born on September 29, 1946, the son of Fred and Shirley (Young) Vogt in Oakland, Nebraska. He was baptized into the Presbyterian faith as a child, grew up in Bancroft, Nebraska and graduated from Bancroft High School with the class of 1964. He then attended college classes and enlisted in the United States Air Force. 

 Mel married Kathy Frampton and the couple had two children, Melvin Jr. “Mike” and Rodneylee. Melvin made his career in the United States Air Force and retired after 20 honorable years. He then worked for the United States Army Corps as an engineer contract specialist. Melvin married Linda (McConkey) Monahan on June 1, 1993, joining their families as one and making their home in Harlan, Iowa. Mel and Linda adopted two children in 2003, Nichole and Nicholas. 

 Mel, along with his wife, Linda held several different positions in the Goldwing Touring Association. He loved any chance he had to ride his trike, decked out with American decals, with his family and friends. His favorite pastimes were watching western movies, reading, crocheting, and playing the guitar. He joined different jam groups around the area and also contributed by singing. He liked to fish and camp; the couple enjoyed spending seven months of the year in San Benito, Texas. Another one of his many talents was woodcarving. He was a jack of all trades who owned all kinds of different tools and he was always willing to lend them out to help others. He loved spending time with his family and his children and grandchildren will cherish the moments when he showed his softer side and watched cartoons with them. 

 Melvin passed away on April 20, 2024, at St. Luke’s Health - Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, Texas after an aortic dissection at the age of 77 years, six months and 22 days. 

 Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rodneylee Vogt; and sister, Marjean Vogt. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Vogt of Harlan; son, Melvin “Mike” Vogt, Jr. of Council Bluffs; daughter, Nichole Vogt of Harlan; son, Nicholas Vogt of Harlan; stepdaughters: Cindy Madden of Manning and Tricia Rietveld of Harlan; seven grandchildren; two great-grandsons; brother, Mick (Kim) Vogt of Madison, Nebraska; and many other relatives and friends. 

 Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with his Celebration of Life Memorial Service starting at 11:00 a.m. all on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan, Iowa. Inurnment with military honors will follow in the Harlan Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.