Oliver Vogel, Spring Valley founder, dies

Oliver F. Vogel of West Bend passed away on August 13, 2012 at the age of 88. He was born on June 7, 1924 to William and Alma (nee Nicholaus) Vogel. He was united in marriage to Betty E. Leake on June 7, 1947 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.

Oliver is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty and four children, Kathleen (Gerald) Barbian, Laurie (Alan) Aleksandrowicz, William (Joyce) Vogel and Randall (Susan) Vogel; grandchildren Brian Barbian, Michael Aleksandrowicz, Elizabeth (James) Stamatokos, John (Jennie) Aleksandrowicz, Lawrence (Sara) Vogel, Julie (Paul) Fagley, Daniel Vogel, Oliver R. Vogel, Alexander (Elizabeth) Vogel, Abigail Vogel; six great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

He was a lifetime member of David’s Star Evangelical Lutheran Church and a past member of the church council. He started the Cedar Valley 4-H Club which later became the Kirchhayn Trotters 4-H Club. He also started the Dairyland Softball League. 

After his barn was struck by lighting and killed most of his milk cows in April 1954, Oliver started Vogel Seed & Fertilizer (now known as Spring Valley Turf). He was President for 35 years.

He was a member of the past Jackson Business Association. In 1970, Oliver was appointed a Director of the Jackson State Bank and also became a Director of the Fertilizer Association. In 1976, he was a member of the MATC Advisory Committee. Oliver received the Wisconsin Ag. Dealer of the Year Award in 1988. He was a member of the Town of Jackson Planning Commission for 22 years and also served as Chairman on the Board of Appeals. Oliver helped start the Jackson Senior Citizens organization.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, infant  twin daughters, one brother (Elmer), two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.

He enjoyed family gatherings, traveling, reading, golfing and dancing.