Lois M. Vogt

From an earthly death to tightly holding Jesus’ hand while entering into eternal life, Lois Vogt passed away on September 14, 2018 in her home and surrounded by family. She is now reunited with her groom of over 60 years, Denny Vogt, who has been patiently awaiting her arrival since November 9, 2013.

Throughout these years, transitions of life have passed honoring her, Great-Granddaughter baby Claire Elizabeth Greve; Son-in-Law Patrick MacClain; Brothers Lenus Thelen and wife Jeannie (Schelle); Roger Thelen; Delmar Thelen and wife Barb (Williams); Sister, baby Linda; Brother-in-Law Robert Hausman (Elsie); Sister-in-Law Lois (Snyder) Thelen (Merlin); Brother-in-Law Don Stangl (Myra); Allen Overgaard (Janet); and Nephews Marty Thelen (Lenus); Rick Stangl (Myra); Todd Overgaard (Janet); Steve Wheelon (Janet); Chad Lenz (Nancy). And surviving through life, Brothers - Merlin; Allen and wife, Louella; Wayne and wife, Sarah; Sisters - Elsie Hausman, Myra Stangl, Janet Overgaard, Nancy Pudenz and husband, Dave.

On Thursday February 15, 1934, the late Mathias and Philomena Thelen received a little bundle of true joy at their Iowa farmhouse – Lois Matilda. She was raised on the family farm in Breda, Iowa with good Midwest values of hard work, continued family involvement, and a strong faith in our Lord and Savior. At 18, she moved a distant 15 miles away to Carroll, Iowa and began her career at the Carroll Hospital. She met Denny through good friends, Bill and Jolene, and the rest is history. Lois and Denny had 5 little ones of their own; Peggi Willis and husband Dan, of Tabor, IA; Gail Schneider and husband Steve, of Omaha, NE; Cindi (MacClain) Vogt, of Aurora, CO; Tom Vogt and fiancée’ Delphinia, of Parker, CO; and Bob Vogt and fiancée’ Kris, of Gretna, NE; and these kids had graced Lois and Denny with 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren – with no doubt many, more to come.

Lois and Denny made Omaha, Nebraska home - raising children, building careers, and making an imprint at Flatland Community Church as bible study hosts, welcome greeters; as well as active members of the church. Lois had great faith that the Lord would provide her with good health through those very important years of a growing family and he did just that. She began working as a waitress when she was pregnant with her third daughter, Cindi. The very first table she waited on was for the Mayor and other city council members of Perry, Iowa. Her manager knew she had the quality and capability, as well as the personality, to become a top-notch waitress. This lead her to be in high demand with all of the top Omaha restaurant owners over the years, as their patrons would always request her when they made their reservations. She made strong sacrifices for her family with working late nights followed by rising early in the mornings to get the kids off to school - sometimes still going back to work the lunch shift.

We were all blessed to have learned many valuable lessons during her 84 years. Among them, she often quoted Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Deep with faith, she was always present in the moment with whomever she encountered. Mom saw everyone as a friend and greeted each with a great big hug and her beautiful smile, or maybe (if you’re lucky) a pan of cinnamon rolls – mmmm, gonna miss those!

She was graciously humble as she walked through life. She never showed any hints of weakness, as that weakness within melted into love outward. This is what leading by example is all about; and this is the fortitude that has been passed down as she has touched each one of us on her journey. This was her gift, so embrace it and pay it forward in her honor.

Funeral Services will be held at Flatland Community Church located at 4801 N. 144th Street, Omaha, NE on Monday, September 17, 2018 beginning with visitation at 9am, services at 11am; with luncheon to follow; interment at 2:30pm Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park at 5701 Center Street, Omaha, NE.