Vogel Richard P. Dick Richard Vogel of Mequon passed away on Thursday November 13 2014 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 83 years old. Dick was born in Milwaukee on August 20 1931 son of Walter Vogel and Lucille Elschner Vogel. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Rufus King High School with the class of 1949. On August 18 1956 he married Judy Schwandner in Milwaukee. Soon after the couple moved to the Mequon-Thiensville area where they raised their four daughters. Dick's love of cars and particularly classic and sports cars led to his first business Milrace Motors in Thiensville. He was a lifelong entrepreneur starting and selling many businesses. After the death of his daughter Kathy Kuettner in 2000 Dick his family and supporters worked tirelessly to open Kathy's House to accommodate those seeking medical treatment and support in the Southeastern Wisconsin area to honor and continue Kathy's legacy. Kathy's House is a non-profit Hospital Hospitality House located in Wauwatosa that is dedicated to providing lodging and support to patients of all ages and their caregivers who are receiving medical treatment in the Milwaukee area. Dick often said that Kathy's House was the most gratifying work he had ever accomplished. Dick was a 58 year member of Mequon United Methodist Church where he was very active. Dick served in a variety of leadership and volunteer roles including his favorite summer pastime of cutting the church lawn. He was also instrumental in establishing Sonlight Child Development Center as part of the church's mission. Started in 2007 Sonlight was established to provide a positive environment influenced by Christian sensibilities where children can develop respect for self and others a lasting love of and desire for learning and a relationship with God. His latest volunteer endeavor was helping his sister Rev. Marilyn Borchardt as she founded the Random Lake Area Historical Society and opened Kathy's III Trackside Caf in Random Lake. He could be found at the caf weekly helping his sister serve coffee and good cheer. Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years Judy of Mequon his three daughters Susan (Dean) Vogel Foley of Easton CT Laura Vogel Woods (significant other Rich Andersen) of Cedarburg and Karen (Peter) Murray of Lake Geneva. He is further survived by his son-in-law Ken Kuettner (significant other Roanne Jambreck) of Oconomowoc 11 grandchildren: Leah Alexa Hailey Emily Claire Abby Caleb Drew Becca Kate and Olivia two sisters Rev. Marilyn (Ken) Borchardt of Random Lake and Helene Shepard of Safety Harbor FL sister-in-law Elaine (Randall) Hoth of Milwaukee brother-in-law Gary Schwandner of Palm Desert CA his special fifth daughter Heidi Erdman Cassel of Thiensville nieces nephews other relatives and many many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Lucille Vogel his daughter Kathy Vogel Kuettner his sister Lorraine Vogel and his in-laws Harvey and Geraldine Schwandner. Funeral services will be held on Sunday November 23rd at 3 PM at Mequon United Methodist Church 11011 N. Oriole Ln. Mequon. He will be laid to rest at Wisconsin Memorial Park Brookfield. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday November 23rd from 1:30-3 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to Kathy's House (www.kathys-house.org) Mequon United Methodist Church to benefit Sonlight Child Development Center or the Random Lake Historical Society. The Eernisse Funeral Home Cedarburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com. The Vogel family wishes to thank the caring staff of the Heartland Hospice team and Tim Bireley and his staff at Home Helpers of Greater Milwaukee for their kindness and compassion during a very difficult time.