Joan Antonia Vogelgesang

Grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. Owen Roop; Mr. and Mrs. George Klein

Attended: Sacred Heart Academy, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Graduated: Edison High School, San Antonio, TX 1951

Entered: Civil Service providing administrative support for Medical Field Service School (MFSS), Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX.

Personal Life: She met and married Captain Ernest J. Vogelgesang, military instructor at MFSS. For the next 20 years, the couple traveled to his various Army assignments in the US and overseas. They were married 57 years when Ernest died in 2011.

Children: Joan and Ernest were blessed with six children: Mark, Karen, Adele, Ross, Mary, and Nancy followed by 15 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

50th Wedding Anniversary: They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with 20 family members on a Christmas Caribbean Cruise in 2003.

Preceded in Death: Joan was preceded in death by her husband, LTC (retired) Ernest J. Vogelgesang and their daughter, Karen Grace Vogelgesang.

Joan died peacefully at the age of 91 and is now in the arms of the Lord, her Savior.

Please send contributions in place of flowers to:

St. Pius X Catholic Church

3303 Urban Crest Drive

San Antonio, TX 78209-3199

Honoring Our Mom, Joan Antonia

Written By Mary Doizé, her daughter

How much our mom did love family!

It becomes quite clear when you look at our story:

A family of eight has blossomed to twenty-three.

When you hear about Mom, you’ll understand how this could be.

Mom was a deep thinker who liked to philosophize.

Many of us benefitted from her and thought her wise.

She taught herself to swim at age fifty—

After a lifetime out of the water, we thought that was nifty!

Birthdays and holidays were quite the affair,

With Mom’s enthusiasm, nothing was spared.

With a family so large, frugality surrounded,

Yet Mom worked diligently to ensure we were well-rounded.

Lessons were abundant—horses, dance, and music.

Our lives were full, and let’s not forget the academics.

With the first grandbaby, Mom’s strong will kicked in:

“No more smoke and drink—

I want to be there when the baby graduates,” I think.

Mom inspired us to be strong, to follow where life would lead,

She toughened us by not always giving in to our plead.

At times, she'd pull the rug right out from under our feet,

So we'd learn to stand tall and handle our own defeat.

As an Army wife, life could be tough.

At times, Dad was overseas for years—surely that was rough.

A “solo” mom with six kids was no easy feat,

But she rose to the challenge and made it complete.

Mom had a faith that soared to God above—

A faith that fueled her ever-lasting love.

Losing a daughter at such a tender age,

Left its mark on Mom and Dad,

Filling them with grief and rage.

A life so full of joy and sorrow,

Can leave you struggling with today and tomorrow.

Honoring Our Mom, Joan Antonia – Continued

Written By Mary Doizé, her daughter

Fond memories of comfort food abound:

Mac-n-cheese, Indian curry, and Neapolitan were often around.

Mom loved to cook, and that was quite clear—

Having her family around the table may have brought a tear.

Cookouts and swimming were often in the mix,

Dad charring chicken on the grill, enjoying a beer,

While we played Marco Polo, and the meat seared.

As we grew up and had our own families, Mom never wanted to intrude.

She asked us to call her, so she wouldn’t seem rude.

Talking to Mom was like an anchor—

The seas calmed down as she spoke, without rancor.

Mom’s traditional principles led her to question much,

Like how her kids got divorced with seeming lack of remorse.

The concept of “blended families” threw her off course—

In her heart, she knew the family is the real love source.

Growing up, we often thought of her as a martyr,

Her strength and care became our heart's charter.

But where would we be without her sacrifice?

Having someone in your corner is more than nice.

One cannot help but think that with Mom’s passing, we’ve lost an era.

We, her children, hold these memories in our hearts—

But then, with our passing, will this era truly depart?

In this modern world of screens and games,

Has our soul lost so much that soothes and tames?

The nights we gathered as a family, singing with delight,

Playing the piano, sharing meals, through day and night.

So, here’s to Mom and the days of yore.

You live in our hearts, and with the Lord.

We thank you for your love and selfless giving,

Which has made our lives so worth living.