Bob was one of my surgery resident teachers at UCD. He already had a lot of stories to share then (the cow in the pool and escaped zoo animals),  sometimes with a beer after a very long shift. He had a reputation for being a bit high anxiety/energy, so I pulled a prank on him before I started my rotation. I approached him in the hall and told him very seriously that I was deeply religious and I hoped there wouldn't be any swearing in surgery. He looked completely floored. Then, I told him it was a joke and we would get along fine, and we did. He cared very much about doing a good job for his patients.  I’ve not kept in touch with many people, having grown up Army myself, so I’m saddened now (in 2023) to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends.

To Bob's Family,

I am so very sorry and heartbroken to hear of his passing, which I just realized today when I decided to look up a few of my past college friends.. you all have my sincere condolences. 

I went to college at MSU with Bob, he was the president of the Sig Eps fraternity, I was a fraternity little sis and he was one of my Big Brothers. He was fun, intelligent, well respected and dedicated to the fraternity, military and his veterinary schooling. We all knew he would excel in those areas and in everything else he did. 

We kept in touch for several years after college when he would intern at the Toledo Zoo best where I lived, and I would visit him there and he would give me a tour of the Zoo. He was a person I truly admired and looked up to. 

I am so glad he has a wonderful family, wife and children to carry on his wonderful spirit and life well lived. He deserves so much honor for his dedication to animals and service in the military, and he will never be forgotten. 

My prayers and thoughts are with you all, and although I'm just now learning of his passing, I hope your family has had much comfort, love and support over these last few years. 

Sincerely,

Rhonda Tomase Benore

Bob and I were roommates during our deployment to Kosovo.  His deep caring for Soldiers and quick wit made life there easy and enjoyable. We met for coffee twice in in San Antonio and caught up after my retirement in 2006, and he maintained his joy of life and sense of humor.  God bless Bob and family.   Rick Caldwell, LTC, USA(R)

I just called to make our annual checkup appointment with Dr Bob for my little Yorkie Piper.
I was heartbroken to hear the news.
I will sorely miss his kindness, patience, humor & expertise   
May his memory be for a blessing 

Dr. Vogelsang was very compassionate and caring when my Himalayan, Pedro, was sick with heart disease.  He took Pedro’s blood pressure weekly and placed prescriptions whenever I needed them.  Dr. Vogelsang always listened to my questions and patiently answered every one.  My husband and I will miss the care he gave all three of our cats.  Our condolences to his family.

I just found out today when I went to make an appoint for my dog. I’m so very sorry to hear that he passed. He was my favorite vet and Brody always looked forward to seeing him. We last saw him when he was out of the hospital and came back to work. He was fighting so hard to get well. I’m so very very sorry. 
Elana Sacks. And Brody Sacks

Very sad to hear of the loss of Bob. He was a fine fellow. Smart, funny, hardworking. We worked together in the Pacific Regional Veterinary Command in 2004-5, and Bob was our surgeon. He could not talk for very long about very much without laughing. That was just Bob.  I am so glad to learn that he had children and found real happiness. He was deserving.

We met Dr. Bob at Banfield. We were told he was the best to treat our two German Shepherds. And he was. His love, dedication, compassion and caring was evident the first time we met him. He loved to just sit with our guys and give them some extra time and attention. We knew that wasn't just for them, but was for him as well. Such a tragic loss to his entire family. With fondness, Mindy and Jan, Payton and Quincy

To  the family...sincere condolences and deepest sympathy in the loss of your much loved, Dr Bob.  I was fortunate to serve as Secretary for Director of Military Working Dog Veterinary Service at Lackland AFB.  Dr Vogelsang was on staff during my tenure.  Had tremendous respect for his service, profession, and superior care of MWDs.  Blessings! 

Darr King, CMSgt (Ret), USAF    

Cousin Bob,
So many childhood memories.........  You were my first friend, playmate, and cousin.  I remember you and I spending weekends at our grandparent's home.  Going for "walkie-walks" with grandpa Vogelsang, going to the cottage on Lake Michigan, family vacations, lots of time in our pool, and many, many Christmases together.  I remember when Brent, Nicole, and I drove down to the Toledo Zoo with your mom and dad one February to visit you when you were interning there.  You gave us the "deluxe" tour of the zoo.  Just loved all of the interesting stories you had about each and every animal; including the fish in the aquarium!  You stayed in a "secret" room behind a wall in one of the exhibit halls.  It was so interesting to see the "behind the scenes" life of a zoo veterinarian.  Will miss you my dear cousin.  
Love,
Cousin Laurie

Farewell to my friend and running partner.  We both agreed it was the best part of the day at Public Health Command.  I know you will give the Military Working Dogs the best of care where you are going.  Rest in peace Bob.

I remember the one day I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Bob as we called him at Banfield.  Dr. Bob possessed a kind aura, one both his colleagues and animals could sense.  His calming demeanor helped pets relax while at the clinic which meant so much to pet parents that trust us with their loved ones.  He loved his patients and it was clear veterinary medicine was his calling.  I wish I had the opportunity to have worked with him again.   His devotion to his military career is to be admired and respected. Dr. Bob was called Home much too early but then one can never understand the way of God.   I have no doubt that Dr. Bob, along with St. Francis, will be tending to the pets in Heaven that are missing their families.  Thank you Dr. Bob for your years of devotion to our profession and please know, we remember you always.  

Stacey,

Wish we could be there to help you out.   I am looking though my old pictures to pass to you for  Hazel and Hudson.   I hope others do the same.    My heart goes out you to.  Same with Julie who I met when visiting Bob during the college summer breaks.   Stay Strong.   Bob was a good friend who loved to talk about the Spartans and Lions.   He one one that would complain about everything, but would be there in a second to help out.   We called him the goat because he would eat anything.   I enjoyed his passion about things in life like old cars and his old Juke box.  The Kuwait Zoo stories like pulling a bullet out of an elephant.   I will miss touching base with him every few months and hearing how things are going with the kids.   Heather and Hudson, you are the kids that Bob inspired to be.  Your dad had a fun eccentric streak like nobody I knew and he was incredibly smart.   He will be watching over you.  

Thoughts and Prays from the Barberios. 

Good Bye my MSU  Fraternity Bro and friend.    Go Green!



While I personally did not meet Dr Bob, my daughter Gabriella did. She came to Banfield with little experience as a vet tech and soon learned so much from him. She admired his skills as a vet /surgeon and was lucky enough to be mentored by him. He was honest and kind to her.  She is currently a Vet student in MN. I will be forever thankful for the impact Dr Bob had in her life! May God grant peace and serenity to his wife, children and family during this time. Our deepest condolences. May he Rest In Peace. 

I served under COL Vogelsang in 1997, in a field unit in San Antonio and I can tell you that there was never another Commander that was so willing to get out there and share the hard work. He would heave heavy tents with his Soldiers, load and unload the trucks, and he took great pride in his ability to wield a sledgehammer and pound stakes into the ground so we could "pop" our huge tents. He cared deeply for the Soldiers under his care and was easy to talk to. He was a great leader. 

Many blessings of peace and healing to his family.

I never worked directly for Colonel Vogelsang but met with him while attending conferences and meetings. I recall his very pleasant smile on every occasion.  I said to myself that I bet he would be great to work with.  Prayers and comfort for the family.

Bob and I served in the Army together for our whole lives, it seems... and-
Would trade nothing for it. Bless the family and keep the memories flowing. God bless you all and grant you peace. In Christ, Lori

Condolences and respect. It was a privilege to know LTC Volgelsang and an honor to call him friend. 

Bob has been my friend since the 3rd Grade when he told me he was going to be a veterinarian.  He always knew!  Half-pint football together winning only 2 games in 3 years!  Yet in 7th grade we won every game! The Great Teacher Robbery of 1882 written and directed by Bob and Tom.   We had a great-great-great gang of friends.  Sleep overs, summer baseball, the greatest trips to  Lake Michigan.  Trips to civil war re-enactments were never boring with the Vogelsang's.  Cruising Woodward in Bob's orange 68 Mustang Convertible and Jeff's 56 Chevy!  Getting drunk for the first time to cheer up Mike when his dad passed. Snow skiing!  Pine View All Night Lumber! Rooming together at MSU and joining Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity together.  Driving Sparty to the football games in Bob's 69 Cadillac Convertible.  Party with Sparty!  I love you  My Friend!  My Brother!  My Family.     

My thoughts and prayers are with the Vogelsang family and also the Banfield family in this difficult time. While I did not get to spend a lot of time with Dr.Bob, the short time I did was enough to learn what a kind and caring man he was. 
He encouraged me in my training and made me laugh when I was frustrated.
I was truly blessed to meet Dr. Bob and he will be sorely missed. 


I'm glad we got to see Bob this past Winter, before we got the devastating news of his diagnosis. We hung out at Julie and Kevin's house with Bob and Stacey, just talking... mostly about Bob's military adventures. Hearing him tell the stories about trying to save the animals in the Kuwait Zoo in the middle of Desert Storm because he "just loves animals" was really pretty funny. Mostly because Bob was so happy telling the stories, but also to see him laugh at himself about the crazy ends he went to to help animals in really bad situations. Shannon and I were actually in Kuwait at the time too. I wish I'd met Bob then, just to see him trying to get a bull out of a swimming pool. In the end I'm glad I got to know him and call him a friend. He was a great guy, and a selfless servant to this country having spent most of his adult life in the Army.

I know we're Army Bob, but the sentiment is the same... Semper Fi brother! We'll see you on the final deployment.

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Bobs passing. He was an amazing Vet and man! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed!

OBITUARY

Robert Vogelsang

August 11, 1962 – October 29, 2019

Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services