RODGER "KENT" VOGEL
Rodger Vogel (professional name Rodger Kent) age 90, passed away November 28, 2014 at the Cook Nursing Home with his devoted wife Andrea by his side. Rodger had a full and colorful life. He was born June 9, 1924 in Waukegan, Illinois and graduated from Waukegan H.S. in 1942. He then joined the US Marine Corps and fought in WWII until 1946. He went on to a career in broadcasting at ABC in New York and then Bristol TN working with hall of fame Grand Ole Opry stars. Rodger then moved to Minneapolis to continue his career in broadcasting working for KSTP, WCCO, and WTCN TV. During these years he was a meteorologist and a licensed chiropractor and worked at several on air radio stations in the Cities. Rodger worked at KSTP as a children show performer with T N Tatters. From 1964 to 1969 Rodger combined his talents and produced his own pioneering outdoor show "Outdoor Funland" flying his seaplane to remote fishing lakes, filming, editing and narrating the program for broadcast, thus labeling him "The Minnesota Sportsman". He emceed the MN State Fair Grandstand shows and races for many years and did countless voice-overs and narrations with his rich deep voice. His body of work included winning a Peabody and Clio award for excellence in his profession. He was probably most recognized as the voice of AWA Wresting starting in the late sixties through mid eighties. Rodger provided ring announcing and interviewing for the AWA and WWE. He was inducted in the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2003. He enjoyed his retirement in the Crane Lake and Cook area with his wife Andrea. Rodger loved hunting, fishing and spending time in "Da Woods" as he would say. He was always willing to help anyone that needed guidance in the media profession and mentored many young announcers. He will be missed by family, friends and fans.
He was preceded in death by his son, Craig Vogel, and his first wife Colleen.
Rodger is survived by his wife and best friend of 33 years, Andrea; one son, Kent Vogel; two daughters, Cheryl Sathrum; Candace (Doug) Jensen; one grandson Ryan (Dayle) Corbitt; three great-grandchildren, Trevor, Hunter and Sophia Corbitt; brothers in law, David (Nancy) Pederson, Drew (Bobbi) Pederson and Eric (Anna) Pederson; many nieces and nephews; and of course, his "family" at the Cook Nursing Home.
A memorial celebration was held honoring Rodger's many decades of broadcasting on Dec 14 at the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting in Minneapolis.
Rodger's family and friends held a Celebration of Life Service at the Cook VFW Post 1157 on Saturday, Dec 20 from 2-5 pm with blessings from the Rev. Joey "pj" Bailey at 2:30 pm. Military honors were accorded by the honor guards of the Cook VFW and Orr American Legion Post 480. Lunch will follow.
Arrangements with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.