Patricia A. Vogel

Patricia A. Vogel, 89, Rock Island, Ill., passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Silver Cross Nursing Center in Rock Island, Ill.

Patricia was born March 9, 1931, in River Falls, a daughter of Louis and Luella (Byrnes) Purfeerst.

She grew up in Cornell, moving to Rock Island, Ill., in 1951. She met her future husband, Joseph P. Vogel, at her first job and they married Feb. 25, 1952. He preceded her in death April 28, 1996.

After her seven children became self-sufficient, Patricia revived her sewing passion. She was a talented seamstress and turned that into a thriving little business. Her children called the multiple sewing machines and work station, “command and control central.”

She could always be found there, in her swivel chair, keeping notes on her index cards, cutting patterns, serging hems and seams, threading bobbins, busy, busy, busy. She loved her customers and their visits to her home.

When her sewing commitments were light, she enjoyed word games of all sorts, but crossword puzzles and Scrabble were her go-tos. She was also known for her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. If you were lucky enough to visit the house on her baking day, you might leave with a fresh loaf. She suggested it was best, toasted with butter.

Patricia was an active volunteer in the community. Various titles she held during her service, were school nurse, picture lady and election judge. She was a curious lifelong learner, a critical thinker and a compassionate woman. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rock Island, Ill.

She is survived by her children – Daniel Vogel, Rock Island, Ill., Michael (Kathleen) Vogel, East Moline, Ill., Edward Vogel, Minneapolis, Minn., Susan Vogel, Billings, Mont., Andy Vogel and Tony Vogel, Rock Island, Ill., and Jane Vogel (Chris Phillips), Mendota Heights, Minn.; grandchildren – Kathrine Vogel, Megan Gove, Grace Vogel, Olivia Phillips and Joseph Phillips; great-granddaughters – Nora Gove and Rose Gove; many nieces and nephews; and a special adventure-partner niece – Lou Reif.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers – Edwin, Donald and Ray Purfeerst; and her sister – Marcella Reif.

Private family services and inurnment were held Thursday, July 9, at the National Cemetery in Arsenal Island, Ill.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Manor, Rock Island. Ill.

Online condolences may be expressed for the family at wheelanpressly.com.