Larry Vogel

Larry Vogel, 84, of Malcom, died on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Windsor Manor in Grinnell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Casual dress is requested by the family. His family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Brooklyn. A luncheon will follow at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn.

Memorials may be designated to Suncrest Home Health and Hospice or to the Malcom Volunteer Fire Department, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Larry’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Lawrence Francis “Larry” Vogel was born on November 8, 1941, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Frank and Jeanette (Holoubek) Vogel. He was raised on the family farm north of Malcom and graduated from Brooklyn High School with the Class of 1960. Following high school, Larry farmed alongside his father for a few years.

On December 28, 1963, Larry was united in marriage to Rita White at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brooklyn. Together, they were blessed with three children: Jeffrey Lawrence, Micheal John, and Laurie Ann. Larry and Rita made their home on a farm south of Malcom, where they raised their family and farmed for many years.

Farming was more than an occupation for Larry; it was a way of life that he truly loved. He raised cattle and hogs and grew corn, soybeans, oats, and hay. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and was a longtime member of Farm Bureau. Larry and Rita passed their love of farm life on to their children, who learned the value of hard work and how to care for animals by working alongside their parents.

In the spring of 1984, Larry and Rita held a farm sale and moved into Malcom. Larry went on to drive a school bus, work for the Town of Malcom and Grinnell College, and later worked at Kinze Manufacturing, where he eventually retired. Even in retirement, Larry enjoyed staying busy and worked seasonally at the local cooperative.

Larry treasured the family’s trips north to the lakes, a tradition that continued for more than 40 years. He enjoyed the opportunity to relax, spend time with family, and, of course, fish. Fishing and collecting fishing lures were longtime interests of his.

Above all, Larry loved his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, and plays. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy and could always bring a big smile to his face, along with plenty of hugs and kisses. Larry even had a special place in his heart for the dogs they brought to visit him—Archer, Mabel, Sawyer, Rhett, Henry, Hoyt, and Roxie. Having always had dogs on the farm, he enjoyed their companionship throughout his life.

Larry was also an avid racing fan and enjoyed NASCAR stock car racing, and Hot Wheels. He faithfully followed Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball and was a Kansas City Chiefs football fan. He also took great pride in keeping his yard looking its best. For Larry, mowing the lawn was never a chore.

Larry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rita Vogel of Malcom; two sons, Jeff (Dianne) Vogel of Tiffin, Iowa, and Mike (Lori) Vogel of Malcom; a daughter, Laurie (Greg) Jansen of Malcom; his grandchildren, Jamie (Andy DeAngelo) Vogel of Grinnell, Jayde (Dakota) Vogel of Osceola, Wisconsin, Tanner (Lexi) Jansen of Brooklyn, Maddie (Colton) Major of Newton, Iowa, Kaylee (Kobey Eaker) Vogel of Tiffin, and Kyle Vogel of Tiffin; his great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Jacob, and Jaxon DeAngelo of Grinnell, Blakely Jansen of Brooklyn, and Miles Major of Newton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jeanette Vogel; and his brother, Jim Vogel.