Pamela J. Vogel

Pam Vogel, age 74, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior on January 22, 2025 after her courageous two-decade journey with multiple sclerosis and dementia.

She was born on June 14, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Aulie and Irene (Ranta) Karna.

Growing up, she loved her Finnish heritage and vacationing at “the farm” in the U.P. every summer with her family, spending time with her beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

She graduated from Henry Ford High School in Detroit in 1968 and received both her bachelor's and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University.

Pam married Denny Vogel on April 22, 1972.

During her lifetime, Pam had three successful careers, as a high school Spanish and English teacher at Harper Creek and Portage Central, a Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics, and her hands-down most-cherished position, being Mom to Matt and Mike.

After years of trying to have children, Pam and Denny were blessed with the birth of twin sons in 1986. Matt and Mike were the joy of her life and she made them her priority as she loved being a stay-at-home mom. She loved all their activities and interests through their growing up years, especially their interests in music and sports. 

After Denny retired, she loved to travel in the motorhome, especially to the Upper Peninsula, and on the warm sunny days of summer, taking rides in the Corvette. 

She is survived by her husband and best friend of 52 years, Denny; Sons, Matt (Celeste) Vogel and Mike Vogel; Granddaughter, Violet Vogel; Brothers, Tim Karna, Tom (Sharon) Karna, and Ted Karna; her Aunt Shirley Yokie, and many cousins, nieces, nephews.

Special Thanks to all the wonderful caregivers at StoryPoint Memory Care and CorsoCare Hospice; Pam’s “Friday Friends,” Marty Stillwell, Sheila Bronson, Judy Hanna, and Jim Keeler; Southridge Church Care Coordinator, Laurie Zditosky; and friends and the best neighbors ever, Doug, Deb, and Troy Allen.

There will be no formal service held. The family will hold a celebration of life at a future date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider donating to one of Pam’s favorite charities; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.