The Rev. Monsignor Robert Vogl

ROBERT VOGL

Cedar Rapids

The Rev. Monsignor Robert R. Vogl, 94, of Dubuque, entered the kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque, with the Most Rev. Michael O. Jackels, Archbishop of Dubuque, officiating and the Rev. Monsignor James O. Barta as homilist. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, at a later date. Friends may call after 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the church until time of the funeral Mass. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, is in charge of arrangements.

Monsignor Robert R. Vogl was born July 5, 1920, the eldest child of Fred and Odette (Schillig) Vogl. A Cedar Rapids native and son of St. Matthew's Parish, he was a 1938 graduate of St. Mary's High School in Albuquerque, N.M., and a 1944 graduate of Loras College, Dubuque. Upon graduation from Loras, he entered the seminary.

He completed his seminary studies at St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., on April 21, 1947, and became a priest in the Archdiocese of Dubuque when Archbishop Henry P. Rohlman ordained him on May 31, 1947.

Following his ordination, Monsignor Vogl was appointed secretary to Archbishop Rohlman. He began teaching at Loras Academy in 1948. In 1952, he was assigned to Loras College, where he filled several positions: professor of religious studies, chairman of the Department of Religious Studies (29 years), spiritual director and later rector of St. Pius X Seminary. On July 4, 1987, he received the Prelate of Honor. In 1995, he retired from teaching and served as chaplain at Marian Hall, Mount Carmel, in Dubuque.

He was a longtime resident of Hennessy Hall at Loras College, retired to Villa Raphael in Dubuque, and his final residence was the caring and loving community at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Monsignor Vogl was himself an example of true Christianity – always available to his students, his family, his friends and all those interested in studying the Catholic faith and encouraging them in their journey. His enduring humility and devotion to his faith and family was unparalleled. He lived a life of quiet compassion and deep empathy for all those he knew.

He is survived by his brother, William (Teresa) of Cedar Rapids; his sister, Mary Ann (Richard) Steele of Marion; his sister-in-law, Karen Vogl of St. Paul, Minn.; 27 nieces and nephews; numerous cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews; his brother priests of the Archdiocese of Dubuque; grateful students and alumni from Loras College; and his closest of friends, Ann Elliott, Jan Chidley, Jane Giellis and Jay Kopp of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Richard and Thomas; sister-in-law, Patricia Vogl; and infant brothers, James and John.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Open Doors, Dubuque Rescue Mission, Hospice of Dubuque or your charity of choice.