Melvin Elliott Vogt, Sr.

 Melvin Elliott Vogt, Sr. was born on September 29, 1946, the son of Fred and Shirley (Young) Vogt in Oakland, Nebraska. He was baptized into the Presbyterian faith as a child, grew up in Bancroft, Nebraska and graduated from Bancroft High School with the class of 1964. He then attended college classes and enlisted in the United States Air Force.
Mel married Kathy Frampton and the couple had two children, Melvin Jr. “Mike” and Rodneylee. Melvin made his career in the United States Air Force and retired after 20 honorable years. He then worked for the United States Army Corps as an engineer contract specialist. Melvin married Linda (McConkey) Monahan on June 1, 1993, joining their families as one and making their home in Harlan, Iowa. Mel and Linda adopted two children in 2003, Nichole and Nicholas.
Mel, along with his wife, Linda held several different positions in the Goldwing Touring Association. He loved any chance he had to ride his trike, decked out with American decals, with his family and friends. His favorite pastimes were watching western movies, reading, crocheting, and playing the guitar. He joined different jam groups around the area and also contributed by singing. He liked to fish and camp; the couple enjoyed spending seven months of the year in San Benito, Texas. Another one of his many talents was woodcarving. He was a jack of all trades who owned all kinds of different tools and he was always willing to lend them out to help others. He loved spending time with his family and his children and grandchildren will cherish the moments when he showed his softer side and watched cartoons with them.
Melvin passed away on April 20, 2024, at St. Luke’s Health - Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, Texas after an aortic dissection at the age of 77 years, six months and 22 days.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rodneylee Vogt; and sister, Marjean Vogt. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Vogt of Harlan; son, Melvin “Mike” Vogt, Jr. of Council Bluffs; daughter, Nichole Vogt of Harlan; son, Nicholas Vogt of Harlan; stepdaughters: Cindy Madden of Manning and Tricia Rietveld of Harlan; seven grandchildren; two great-grandsons; brother, Mick (Kim) Vogt of Madison, Nebraska; and many other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life was held 11:00 AM, Friday, May 3, 2024 at the C.G. Therkildsen Activity Center in Harlan, Iowa with Rev Dan Cox officiating. Recorded musical selections included “Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart, “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley and “Why Me Lord” by Kris Kristofferson. Serving as honorary urn bearers were Melvin’s grandchildren and GWTA Chapter Z. Inurnment was held at the Harlan Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Harlan American Legion Post 150 and Air Force Honor Guard. Following the graveside service, the family invited everyone to return to the Therkildsen Center for a time of fellowship and lunch. Services were entrusted to the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan.