ROCHELLE — Donald Jacob Vogeler, 92, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois with family by his side.  Don was born on May 25, 1931 to Jacob and Alice P. (Peterson) Vogeler in Rochelle, IL. After graduating from the Rochelle Township High School, he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served for six years.  He was part of the team keeping the B29's working. Throughout the years, he had many different jobs.  He worked at Sawicki Motors, Swift Meat Packing, Mayrath, Rochelle Police Officer, head of maintenance at the Rochelle Township High School, Moore’s Hardware and Ace Hardware.  On October 24, 1981, he married Tootie Miller at the Rochelle United Methodist Church in Rochelle.

Don was very civic minded and stepped up to many things that he believed in.  Because of his service to his community, May 25 is declared Don Vogeler Day.  He was a Boy Scout Leader, volunteer fireman, and Fire and Police Commissioner. He served two terms on the Rochelle City Council, past president of the Rochelle Conservation Club and Ogle County Shrine, a 65 year/life member of the Rochelle VFW Post 3878 and served in many roles at the Rochelle United Methodist Church including Sunday School teacher. As an active Mason, Don was a member of Masonic Temple 244, the Freeport Consistory, Sword of Bunker Hill, and Tebala Temple. He was also an honored member of the Honor Flight program. Over the years, he enjoyed fishing, camping and was an excellent cook. Most importantly, he will be remembered as the “best Papa in the world”.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Vogeler and four sisters: Doris Pickreign, Barb Ebens, Marilyn Adams and Emogene Jaeger.

Don is survived by his wife of 42 years, Tootie Vogeler of Rochelle; two children: Cindy Tucker of Royce City, TX and David Vogeler of Rockford, IL; three step children: Brad (Kathy) Miller of Roscoe, IL, Sandra Eyster of Rochelle and Bruce (Kris Pierce) Miller of Rochelle; brother-in-law, DeWayne Adams of Davis Junction; seven grandchildren: David (Kacie) Edebbarh, Aisha (Lynrick II) Pleasant, Seth Tucker, Emily (Nic) Anaya, Laurie (Sam) Johanning, Hillary (Cory Hooper) Miller, and Kelsie (Kyle) Martinson; ten great grandchildren: Anya, Kollins, Nicanor, Amelia, Ivy, Khloe, Pierce, Saylor, Lynrick III and Aila; and many nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M., Friday, February 16, 2024 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle with a Masonic service to follow at 7:00 P.M..  The funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, February 17 at the Rochelle United Methodist Church, 709 4th Ave., Rochelle, with pastors Katherine Paisley and Dana Cox officiating.  Cremation care will be accorded after the service.  Memorials may be made in Don’s memory to Serenity Hospice and Home or the Shriners Children’s.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.