Cherie Kacena Vogler, age 90, died on Saturday, March 17, 2018 in Jackson, MI. She was born on December 10, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan. Cherie’s parents were James and Elaine (Tappan) Kacena who lived in Detroit, Garden City, and Dearborn during her childhood years and high school. She was married to Ralph Vogler on June 13, 1953 in Dearborn, Michigan. They shared over 60 loving years of marriage prior to his death in 2014. Cherie left a legacy of deep faith, a love for family, a desire to teach and learn, and an enjoyment of travel and music that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her faith journey included involvement in campus ministry, where she formed friendships to last a lifetime, active and devoted participation in the churches she was a member of throughout her life, and participation in community Bible studies where she continued to learn and grow her faith. She also served as a Stephen Minister when she lived in Lansing. At the time of her death she was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson and appreciated their support when she could no longer attend services. Cherie studied to be a teacher, attending Cleary College, earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan Normal College (now Eastern Michigan) and a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan. She taught school for five years in Allen Park, then stayed home with her family. Throughout her life she continued to serve in her church as a teacher and Christian Education Director. Cherie loved to travel and instilled that love in her family. Memorable trips included biking in Europe for a summer, driving to Alaska via the ALCAN Highway in the 1950s, and visiting all 50 states in the US. She actively participated in choral music, both at church and at Vista Grande Villa, where she lived. In a tribute to her mother, she helped establish bell choirs at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor and Delta Presbyterian Church in Lansing. Cherie is survived by her children: Jonathan (Meg) Vogler of Lansing and Carol (Bob) Hufnagel of Ann Arbor; four grandchildren: Matt (Kristy) Smallish, Rachel (Maxwell) Dziku, Sarah (Rob) Marion, and Noelle (Javi) Solis; and nine great grandchildren: Christian, Sera Mae, Braden, and Emma Smallish; Samuel, Isaac, and Elizabeth Dziku; Alex Marion; and Abby Solis. She has delighted in seeing her legacy of faith, travel, and teaching continue in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cherished sister, Marianne Jones and a dear nephew and niece. Cherie had many fond friendships amongst the residents and staff at Vista Grande Villa, the ladies she knew from ASTM meetings, and from the churches she attended. Memorial gifts may be made in Cherie’s memory to the Library Foundation of Michigan, which supports the Braille and Talking Books Library, which brought Cherie many hours of enjoyment when she could no longer read. Gifts may also be made to the Delta Presbyterian Church (Lansing), in support of the bell choir. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in the Grande Room at Vista Grande Villa, Jackson, Michigan.
