Velma was born Velma Ann Jancik on May 28, 1927 to John and Betty Jancik in DuBois, Nebraska. She attended South High School in Omaha, NE and graduated in 1945. Velma met and married Lawrence "Larry" Vogltanz on May 31, 1947 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was a member of the Elks, Eagles, DAV, American Legion, YLI, FRA 310, and the Navy Wives Club. Velma was known in her circle of friends as the "Hug Lady" and enjoyed giving hugs. She was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church since 1971 and volunteered for the American Red Cross at the Naval Hospital for fifteen years during her younger years. Velma enjoyed polka dancing with her husband Larry, spending time with her family, camping and traveling the US. She and Larry camped and traveled throughout the United States during their lifetimes, and they very much enjoyed visiting relatives (especially children and grandchildren) and attending countless polka festivals. She was a loving and supporting wife, a loving mother, and a doting grandmother and great-grandmother.
Velma Ann Vogltanz, passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 83 on July 22, 2010 at the Hospice Care Center in Bremerton. Washington. Survivors included her loving husband Larry; children Lawrence Vogltanz Jr., James J. Vogltanz, Dale Vogltanz (Jean), Barbara Nowak (Doug); sister Betty Montcalm; eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Upon her passing, a viewing was be held on July 27 at 9:30am; a rosary at 10am and a Funeral Mass at 10:30am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment followe at the Miller- Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Following is a eulogy that was delivered by her grandson, James John Vogltanz, Jr.:
I am truly honored to give this eulogy in order to honor the life of Velma Vogltanz, otherwise known to me as "grandma." She was a devoted sister, mother, friend, grandmother and a devoted wife. These last days have truly been a roller coaster of emotions for our entire family, and yes we are hurting right now. To capture grandma's life and what she meant to us all in just a few minutes is frankly a bit challenging and perhaps impossible. However there seems to be one thing that I keep hearing repeated recently in our family discussions, and that is that "grandma wouldn't want that." While it is only fitting and appropriate to grieve, grandma wouldn't want us to be overly sad, or hang our heads. In fact, I believe she would prefer us to celebrate her life and what she meant to each of us individually and collectively as a family and friends. I believe each of us can draw comfort knowing grandma is truly in a better place.
If there's one person who knows grandma best, that would be of course grandpa. I asked him what were the top two or three things he loved most about her, and after asking I realized my question may have been a bit unfair. You see grandma's life and marriage were not confined nor limited by just two or three things - she touched so many people and in so many different ways. He answer was revealing – he said it's not "any one thing" but rather all the "many different things" that grandma was to us all. Grandma and grandpa "worked as a team" and were quick to give credit to the Lord for providing. Grandma meant something different to us all – we each have our own unique relationship with her. The dictionary defines the word "unique" as being "the only one of its kind, unequaled, unparalleled, or unmatched." Let me ask you this. How many people do you know that have – mothered four children, love their family and friends, did her best to provide a happy home, was devoted to this church for nearly 40 years, was a lifelong volunteer at numerous civic and Navy organizations, loved polka – dancing, sent $2 dollar bills inside birthday cards, and was a devoted wife and partner to grandpa for over 63 years? There is no doubt grandma was unique, truly one of kind, and one of the most special people that many of us have met or will ever meet in our lifetimes.
Grandma loved the outdoors. I love listening to my dad Jim, Aunt Barbara, and my Uncles Larry and Dale, talk about all the family fishing and camping trips. The canvas tent, the camp stove, the packing and unpacking of the family car…in fact if you are feeling a little down and need a good laugh have them tell you about the family excursions. You might just feel the same way I do when I am listening, and wish you could roll back the clock and join them! Time spent with family, particularly in those earlier years was priority. I think grandma loved the outdoors because she loved God's creation. She enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling. In fact, grandma has traveled to Hong Kong, Hawaii, Europe more than once, and all over the United States. But that wasn't all--interwoven in to grandma's life were a fun-loving spirit and a lot of humor. Grandma simply loved a good laugh, and we all sure loved to hear her laugh and see her smile. And in these last days at the Hospice Center, seeing her smile meant the world. I'm reminded in Proverbs 17:22 that say "A cheerful heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones." Grandma wouldn't want us to hang our heads, she would rather we be comforted by her memory and draw closer as a family.
As I begin to close, I discovered a poem that I believe captures grandma just a little:
Mother and Grandma
My mother feeds me tuna fish, with broccoli on the side.
But Grandma gives me candy, when my mouth is open wide.
My mother slices apples, and orange for dessert.
My Grandma brings me doughnuts; if she finds out I'm hurt.
My mother makes me drink my milk, most every single night.
But Grandma gives me ice cream bars, when I do something right.
My mother cooks up rice and beans, that have an awful taste.
So I say, "See ya later, I'm going to Grandma's place!"
Grandma's place…now think about that for a moment. The thought of grandma's place evokes good feelings of good times, conversations around a fire, cutting down Christmas trees, good hugs, good meals, warm baked kolaches, and time well-spent with family and friends. Grandma was always inviting and welcoming, whether it was the Navy Sailor without a home for the holidays, or helping a newcomer register here at Holy Trinity. Grandma was known as the "hug lady" and to her it didn't matter what you looked like, or your station in life – you were going to get a hug. I dare say this world sure could use a few more people like grandma. And especially to us grandkids and now great-grandkids, it didn't matter if you colored a little outside the lines when you drew her a picture. Grandma cherished time with her grandkids, loved every gift or picture and to her any picture was a "work of art" and was always "beautiful."
The good news is Grandma's story doesn't end her. You see, for the child of God, the best is yet to come, and grandma wouldn't want us to miss out on seeing her again.
We'll all remember grandma's mannerisms and traits, her occasional competitive spirit long with her uncanny ability to get her way. She was strong special lady. And by no means was grandma perfect--none of us are--but the greatest thing I believe about her was that she knows only one who is perfect – the Savior Jesus Christ. Remember grandma's place? Well you see grandma's place is now with the Lord Jesus and I believe one day we can be with her again and we can walk those streets of gold together. You can too, if you accept Him as Lord and Savior. I hope and pray that as you consider the life of grandma's life, you will draw closer to Lord Jesus. Now that is something Grandma would want!
Velma Ann Vogltanz, passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 83 on July 22, 2010 at the Hospice Care Center in Bremerton. Washington. Survivors included her loving husband Larry; children Lawrence Vogltanz Jr., James J. Vogltanz, Dale Vogltanz (Jean), Barbara Nowak (Doug); sister Betty Montcalm; eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Upon her passing, a viewing was be held on July 27 at 9:30am; a rosary at 10am and a Funeral Mass at 10:30am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment followe at the Miller- Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Following is a eulogy that was delivered by her grandson, James John Vogltanz, Jr.:
I am truly honored to give this eulogy in order to honor the life of Velma Vogltanz, otherwise known to me as "grandma." She was a devoted sister, mother, friend, grandmother and a devoted wife. These last days have truly been a roller coaster of emotions for our entire family, and yes we are hurting right now. To capture grandma's life and what she meant to us all in just a few minutes is frankly a bit challenging and perhaps impossible. However there seems to be one thing that I keep hearing repeated recently in our family discussions, and that is that "grandma wouldn't want that." While it is only fitting and appropriate to grieve, grandma wouldn't want us to be overly sad, or hang our heads. In fact, I believe she would prefer us to celebrate her life and what she meant to each of us individually and collectively as a family and friends. I believe each of us can draw comfort knowing grandma is truly in a better place.
If there's one person who knows grandma best, that would be of course grandpa. I asked him what were the top two or three things he loved most about her, and after asking I realized my question may have been a bit unfair. You see grandma's life and marriage were not confined nor limited by just two or three things - she touched so many people and in so many different ways. He answer was revealing – he said it's not "any one thing" but rather all the "many different things" that grandma was to us all. Grandma and grandpa "worked as a team" and were quick to give credit to the Lord for providing. Grandma meant something different to us all – we each have our own unique relationship with her. The dictionary defines the word "unique" as being "the only one of its kind, unequaled, unparalleled, or unmatched." Let me ask you this. How many people do you know that have – mothered four children, love their family and friends, did her best to provide a happy home, was devoted to this church for nearly 40 years, was a lifelong volunteer at numerous civic and Navy organizations, loved polka – dancing, sent $2 dollar bills inside birthday cards, and was a devoted wife and partner to grandpa for over 63 years? There is no doubt grandma was unique, truly one of kind, and one of the most special people that many of us have met or will ever meet in our lifetimes.
Grandma loved the outdoors. I love listening to my dad Jim, Aunt Barbara, and my Uncles Larry and Dale, talk about all the family fishing and camping trips. The canvas tent, the camp stove, the packing and unpacking of the family car…in fact if you are feeling a little down and need a good laugh have them tell you about the family excursions. You might just feel the same way I do when I am listening, and wish you could roll back the clock and join them! Time spent with family, particularly in those earlier years was priority. I think grandma loved the outdoors because she loved God's creation. She enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling. In fact, grandma has traveled to Hong Kong, Hawaii, Europe more than once, and all over the United States. But that wasn't all--interwoven in to grandma's life were a fun-loving spirit and a lot of humor. Grandma simply loved a good laugh, and we all sure loved to hear her laugh and see her smile. And in these last days at the Hospice Center, seeing her smile meant the world. I'm reminded in Proverbs 17:22 that say "A cheerful heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones." Grandma wouldn't want us to hang our heads, she would rather we be comforted by her memory and draw closer as a family.
As I begin to close, I discovered a poem that I believe captures grandma just a little:
Mother and Grandma
My mother feeds me tuna fish, with broccoli on the side.
But Grandma gives me candy, when my mouth is open wide.
My mother slices apples, and orange for dessert.
My Grandma brings me doughnuts; if she finds out I'm hurt.
My mother makes me drink my milk, most every single night.
But Grandma gives me ice cream bars, when I do something right.
My mother cooks up rice and beans, that have an awful taste.
So I say, "See ya later, I'm going to Grandma's place!"
Grandma's place…now think about that for a moment. The thought of grandma's place evokes good feelings of good times, conversations around a fire, cutting down Christmas trees, good hugs, good meals, warm baked kolaches, and time well-spent with family and friends. Grandma was always inviting and welcoming, whether it was the Navy Sailor without a home for the holidays, or helping a newcomer register here at Holy Trinity. Grandma was known as the "hug lady" and to her it didn't matter what you looked like, or your station in life – you were going to get a hug. I dare say this world sure could use a few more people like grandma. And especially to us grandkids and now great-grandkids, it didn't matter if you colored a little outside the lines when you drew her a picture. Grandma cherished time with her grandkids, loved every gift or picture and to her any picture was a "work of art" and was always "beautiful."
The good news is Grandma's story doesn't end her. You see, for the child of God, the best is yet to come, and grandma wouldn't want us to miss out on seeing her again.
We'll all remember grandma's mannerisms and traits, her occasional competitive spirit long with her uncanny ability to get her way. She was strong special lady. And by no means was grandma perfect--none of us are--but the greatest thing I believe about her was that she knows only one who is perfect – the Savior Jesus Christ. Remember grandma's place? Well you see grandma's place is now with the Lord Jesus and I believe one day we can be with her again and we can walk those streets of gold together. You can too, if you accept Him as Lord and Savior. I hope and pray that as you consider the life of grandma's life, you will draw closer to Lord Jesus. Now that is something Grandma would want!
Velma was born Velma Ann Jancik on May 28, 1927 to John and Betty Jancik in DuBois, Nebraska. She attended South High School in Omaha, NE and graduated in 1945. Velma met and married Lawrence "Larry" Vogltanz on May 31, 1947 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was a member of the Elks, Eagles, DAV, American Legion, YLI, FRA 310, and the Navy Wives Club. Velma was known in her circle of friends as the "Hug Lady" and enjoyed giving hugs. She was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church since 1971 and volunteered for the American Red Cross at the Naval Hospital for fifteen years during her younger years. Velma enjoyed polka dancing with her husband Larry, spending time with her family, camping and traveling the US. She and Larry camped and traveled throughout the United States during their lifetimes, and they very much enjoyed visiting relatives (especially children and grandchildren) and attending countless polka festivals. She was a loving and supporting wife, a loving mother, and a doting grandmother and great-grandmother.
Velma Ann Vogltanz, passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 83 on July 22, 2010 at the Hospice Care Center in Bremerton. Washington. Survivors included her loving husband Larry; children Lawrence Vogltanz Jr., James J. Vogltanz, Dale Vogltanz (Jean), Barbara Nowak (Doug); sister Betty Montcalm; eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Upon her passing, a viewing was be held on July 27 at 9:30am; a rosary at 10am and a Funeral Mass at 10:30am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment followe at the Miller- Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Following is a eulogy that was delivered by her grandson, James John Vogltanz, Jr.:
I am truly honored to give this eulogy in order to honor the life of Velma Vogltanz, otherwise known to me as "grandma." She was a devoted sister, mother, friend, grandmother and a devoted wife. These last days have truly been a roller coaster of emotions for our entire family, and yes we are hurting right now. To capture grandma's life and what she meant to us all in just a few minutes is frankly a bit challenging and perhaps impossible. However there seems to be one thing that I keep hearing repeated recently in our family discussions, and that is that "grandma wouldn't want that." While it is only fitting and appropriate to grieve, grandma wouldn't want us to be overly sad, or hang our heads. In fact, I believe she would prefer us to celebrate her life and what she meant to each of us individually and collectively as a family and friends. I believe each of us can draw comfort knowing grandma is truly in a better place.
If there's one person who knows grandma best, that would be of course grandpa. I asked him what were the top two or three things he loved most about her, and after asking I realized my question may have been a bit unfair. You see grandma's life and marriage were not confined nor limited by just two or three things - she touched so many people and in so many different ways. He answer was revealing – he said it's not "any one thing" but rather all the "many different things" that grandma was to us all. Grandma and grandpa "worked as a team" and were quick to give credit to the Lord for providing. Grandma meant something different to us all – we each have our own unique relationship with her. The dictionary defines the word "unique" as being "the only one of its kind, unequaled, unparalleled, or unmatched." Let me ask you this. How many people do you know that have – mothered four children, love their family and friends, did her best to provide a happy home, was devoted to this church for nearly 40 years, was a lifelong volunteer at numerous civic and Navy organizations, loved polka – dancing, sent $2 dollar bills inside birthday cards, and was a devoted wife and partner to grandpa for over 63 years? There is no doubt grandma was unique, truly one of kind, and one of the most special people that many of us have met or will ever meet in our lifetimes.
Grandma loved the outdoors. I love listening to my dad Jim, Aunt Barbara, and my Uncles Larry and Dale, talk about all the family fishing and camping trips. The canvas tent, the camp stove, the packing and unpacking of the family car…in fact if you are feeling a little down and need a good laugh have them tell you about the family excursions. You might just feel the same way I do when I am listening, and wish you could roll back the clock and join them! Time spent with family, particularly in those earlier years was priority. I think grandma loved the outdoors because she loved God's creation. She enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling. In fact, grandma has traveled to Hong Kong, Hawaii, Europe more than once, and all over the United States. But that wasn't all--interwoven in to grandma's life were a fun-loving spirit and a lot of humor. Grandma simply loved a good laugh, and we all sure loved to hear her laugh and see her smile. And in these last days at the Hospice Center, seeing her smile meant the world. I'm reminded in Proverbs 17:22 that say "A cheerful heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones." Grandma wouldn't want us to hang our heads, she would rather we be comforted by her memory and draw closer as a family.
As I begin to close, I discovered a poem that I believe captures grandma just a little:
Mother and Grandma
My mother feeds me tuna fish, with broccoli on the side.
But Grandma gives me candy, when my mouth is open wide.
My mother slices apples, and orange for dessert.
My Grandma brings me doughnuts; if she finds out I'm hurt.
My mother makes me drink my milk, most every single night.
But Grandma gives me ice cream bars, when I do something right.
My mother cooks up rice and beans, that have an awful taste.
So I say, "See ya later, I'm going to Grandma's place!"
Grandma's place…now think about that for a moment. The thought of grandma's place evokes good feelings of good times, conversations around a fire, cutting down Christmas trees, good hugs, good meals, warm baked kolaches, and time well-spent with family and friends. Grandma was always inviting and welcoming, whether it was the Navy Sailor without a home for the holidays, or helping a newcomer register here at Holy Trinity. Grandma was known as the "hug lady" and to her it didn't matter what you looked like, or your station in life – you were going to get a hug. I dare say this world sure could use a few more people like grandma. And especially to us grandkids and now great-grandkids, it didn't matter if you colored a little outside the lines when you drew her a picture. Grandma cherished time with her grandkids, loved every gift or picture and to her any picture was a "work of art" and was always "beautiful."
The good news is Grandma's story doesn't end her. You see, for the child of God, the best is yet to come, and grandma wouldn't want us to miss out on seeing her again.
We'll all remember grandma's mannerisms and traits, her occasional competitive spirit long with her uncanny ability to get her way. She was strong special lady. And by no means was grandma perfect--none of us are--but the greatest thing I believe about her was that she knows only one who is perfect – the Savior Jesus Christ. Remember grandma's place? Well you see grandma's place is now with the Lord Jesus and I believe one day we can be with her again and we can walk those streets of gold together. You can too, if you accept Him as Lord and Savior. I hope and pray that as you consider the life of grandma's life, you will draw closer to Lord Jesus. Now that is something Grandma would want!
Velma Ann Vogltanz, passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 83 on July 22, 2010 at the Hospice Care Center in Bremerton. Washington. Survivors included her loving husband Larry; children Lawrence Vogltanz Jr., James J. Vogltanz, Dale Vogltanz (Jean), Barbara Nowak (Doug); sister Betty Montcalm; eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Upon her passing, a viewing was be held on July 27 at 9:30am; a rosary at 10am and a Funeral Mass at 10:30am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment followe at the Miller- Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Following is a eulogy that was delivered by her grandson, James John Vogltanz, Jr.:
I am truly honored to give this eulogy in order to honor the life of Velma Vogltanz, otherwise known to me as "grandma." She was a devoted sister, mother, friend, grandmother and a devoted wife. These last days have truly been a roller coaster of emotions for our entire family, and yes we are hurting right now. To capture grandma's life and what she meant to us all in just a few minutes is frankly a bit challenging and perhaps impossible. However there seems to be one thing that I keep hearing repeated recently in our family discussions, and that is that "grandma wouldn't want that." While it is only fitting and appropriate to grieve, grandma wouldn't want us to be overly sad, or hang our heads. In fact, I believe she would prefer us to celebrate her life and what she meant to each of us individually and collectively as a family and friends. I believe each of us can draw comfort knowing grandma is truly in a better place.
If there's one person who knows grandma best, that would be of course grandpa. I asked him what were the top two or three things he loved most about her, and after asking I realized my question may have been a bit unfair. You see grandma's life and marriage were not confined nor limited by just two or three things - she touched so many people and in so many different ways. He answer was revealing – he said it's not "any one thing" but rather all the "many different things" that grandma was to us all. Grandma and grandpa "worked as a team" and were quick to give credit to the Lord for providing. Grandma meant something different to us all – we each have our own unique relationship with her. The dictionary defines the word "unique" as being "the only one of its kind, unequaled, unparalleled, or unmatched." Let me ask you this. How many people do you know that have – mothered four children, love their family and friends, did her best to provide a happy home, was devoted to this church for nearly 40 years, was a lifelong volunteer at numerous civic and Navy organizations, loved polka – dancing, sent $2 dollar bills inside birthday cards, and was a devoted wife and partner to grandpa for over 63 years? There is no doubt grandma was unique, truly one of kind, and one of the most special people that many of us have met or will ever meet in our lifetimes.
Grandma loved the outdoors. I love listening to my dad Jim, Aunt Barbara, and my Uncles Larry and Dale, talk about all the family fishing and camping trips. The canvas tent, the camp stove, the packing and unpacking of the family car…in fact if you are feeling a little down and need a good laugh have them tell you about the family excursions. You might just feel the same way I do when I am listening, and wish you could roll back the clock and join them! Time spent with family, particularly in those earlier years was priority. I think grandma loved the outdoors because she loved God's creation. She enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling. In fact, grandma has traveled to Hong Kong, Hawaii, Europe more than once, and all over the United States. But that wasn't all--interwoven in to grandma's life were a fun-loving spirit and a lot of humor. Grandma simply loved a good laugh, and we all sure loved to hear her laugh and see her smile. And in these last days at the Hospice Center, seeing her smile meant the world. I'm reminded in Proverbs 17:22 that say "A cheerful heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones." Grandma wouldn't want us to hang our heads, she would rather we be comforted by her memory and draw closer as a family.
As I begin to close, I discovered a poem that I believe captures grandma just a little:
Mother and Grandma
My mother feeds me tuna fish, with broccoli on the side.
But Grandma gives me candy, when my mouth is open wide.
My mother slices apples, and orange for dessert.
My Grandma brings me doughnuts; if she finds out I'm hurt.
My mother makes me drink my milk, most every single night.
But Grandma gives me ice cream bars, when I do something right.
My mother cooks up rice and beans, that have an awful taste.
So I say, "See ya later, I'm going to Grandma's place!"
Grandma's place…now think about that for a moment. The thought of grandma's place evokes good feelings of good times, conversations around a fire, cutting down Christmas trees, good hugs, good meals, warm baked kolaches, and time well-spent with family and friends. Grandma was always inviting and welcoming, whether it was the Navy Sailor without a home for the holidays, or helping a newcomer register here at Holy Trinity. Grandma was known as the "hug lady" and to her it didn't matter what you looked like, or your station in life – you were going to get a hug. I dare say this world sure could use a few more people like grandma. And especially to us grandkids and now great-grandkids, it didn't matter if you colored a little outside the lines when you drew her a picture. Grandma cherished time with her grandkids, loved every gift or picture and to her any picture was a "work of art" and was always "beautiful."
The good news is Grandma's story doesn't end her. You see, for the child of God, the best is yet to come, and grandma wouldn't want us to miss out on seeing her again.
We'll all remember grandma's mannerisms and traits, her occasional competitive spirit long with her uncanny ability to get her way. She was strong special lady. And by no means was grandma perfect--none of us are--but the greatest thing I believe about her was that she knows only one who is perfect – the Savior Jesus Christ. Remember grandma's place? Well you see grandma's place is now with the Lord Jesus and I believe one day we can be with her again and we can walk those streets of gold together. You can too, if you accept Him as Lord and Savior. I hope and pray that as you consider the life of grandma's life, you will draw closer to Lord Jesus. Now that is something Grandma would want!
