Richard and Florence Vogt

Vogt, Richard Wilson July 28, 1929 - October 3, 2023 Vogt, Florence Ellen (Ballentine) August 20, 1929 - October 4, 2023 Happily married for 75 years, high school sweethearts Richard Wilson Vogt and Florence Ellen (Ballentine) Vogt died within hours of each other on October 3rd (Richard) and October 4th (Florence). Their romance sparked when they were the only two to volunteer for dreaded dishwashing duties at a school event, and they were the center of each other's worlds ever after. They married on May 1, 1948, in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Richard worked for Michigan Bell Telephone for 33 years, retiring in 1981 to spend more time with his sweetie. Florence trained as a bookkeeper; she was also a homemaker and secretary. They raised three daughters, Mary (Stanley) Hunter, Lois (Donald) Albrecht, and Linda (Richard) Holmes, and welcomed many "extra kids" into their lives. They filled their lives with adventure, camping, picnicking, and hiking as the girls grew up. After retirement, they could often be found traveling and bicycling-famously celebrating their birthdays by biking their age in miles in a single day until their 80s. Florence reluctantly gave up biking at age 90. Richard was still biking early this summer, and they both relished long walks and any opportunity to be outdoors. They loved spending summers in Bayfield, Wisconsin; they also enjoyed several winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They had a wide circle of friends and were known for their sense of humor, eye-popping athletic feats, contributions to the community (they both volunteered regularly with Meals on Wheels), and, most of all, their unwavering love for each other. They proudly wooed each other, even after 75 years of marriage. They were thrilled to have a 75th anniversary party in May with their entire family present. Florence was born in Lansing, Michigan, on August 20, 1929, to Peter W. Ballentine and Glenna M. (Zischke) Ballentine. She was an intrepid genealogist who extensively traced the family tree. In her 50s, she began quilting and became well-known for her incredible skill and generosity, donating hundreds of quilts to worthy causes. She had a wonderful circle of quilter friends in East Lansing and later in Saint Paul after they moved to Minnesota in 2010. Florence had a challenging childhood, growing up in the Depression and losing her father when she was 3, but she had an indomitable spirit. Richard was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan, on July 28, 1929, to Harrison M. Vogt and Mary Blanche (Brett) Vogt. Richard equaled Florence's generosity, donating blood as often as possible and spending more than 40 years recording books for individuals facing blindness. He was a gifted writer and storyteller whose love for puns will trickle on through the generations. Few could top him in a crossword puzzle or a battle of wits. He kept journals throughout his life and was a faithful letter-writer to many. We're fortunate to still have his words. Remarkably healthy for most of their lives, both suffered vertebral fractures and subsequent reinjuries in the last two months, declining rapidly thereafter. Their nearly simultaneous deaths were a fitting end to their incredible love story. The family extends heartfelt thanks to The Willows of Ramsey Hill and Brighton Hospice for caring for Florence and to Optage Hospice for Richard's in-home care. Mom and Dad loved each other, loved their families, and made the most out of life. They will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing they don't have to be without each other. Richard and Florence were preceded in death by their parents; Florence's brother Milton Ballentine; Richard's siblings Virginia Vance, Lyndon Vogt, and Norman Vogt; sons-in-law Donald Albrecht and Richard Holmes; and "extra kid" Jeff Kenyon. They are survived by their three daughters, Mary (Stanley) Hunter, Lois Albrecht, and Linda Holmes; grandchildren Jennifer Albrecht, Bryce Albrecht (Amanda Belanger), Terence (Youa) Holmes, Ian (Sarah) Hunter, and Ellen (Paul) Gans; and great-grandchildren Bronwen and Greta Hunter, Samuel and Tyler Holmes, and Jameson and Hunter Gans. Also survived by cousin Irene Jane Brett, nephew Lyle Vogt, niece Sherry Ballentine Hays, and best man Jim Crawford; special "extra kids" Linda Reeder Overholt, Carol Cosens Yocum, Susan Larson, Jean Catto Hildreth, and Kris "Kupcake" Reichenbach; and many more beloved friends, apartment neighbors, Holy Spirit and Gloria Dei quilters, and extended family. No services, as requested. Arrangements by Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell of Saint Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Meals on Wheels; The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library; Albrecht-Vogt Family Fund-Apostle Islands Community Fund, P.O. Box 332, Bayfield, WI 54814; or donor's choice.

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Richard and Florence Vogt

October 3, 2023

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