Janet Theresa (Rydzewski) Vogel

Janet Theresa Vogel, age 74, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at her Manitowoc residence. Her husband and children surrounded her, as she rested her burden at Jesus' feet, following a nine-month battle with cancer.

The former Janet Rydzewski was born on January 22, 1949, in Manitowoc. She was the second daughter of the late Gerald and Helen (Klein) Rydzewski. She attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and was a 1966 graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School. Janet had a keen intellect and was a seeker of knowledge. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin- Madison and continued to further her education by pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University.

In Sheboygan on October 5, 1975  Janet married her beau of many years, Anthony “Tony” Vogel. They would be celebrating their 48th Anniversary this year. Janet loved nature and God’s creation, and along with their three children, Tony and Janet made a beautiful life in the countryside where she enjoyed working in the yard and listening to the birds.

Janet was a spiritual, loving, and (most of all) giving person. Her main goal in life was to help others, as testified by her more than forty years in the nursing profession. This calling on her life encouraged her career as a community health nurse, and became an extension of showing God’s love to others. Janet went out into the world and participated in  mission trips to both Central America and Africa on many occasions. There she provided both nursing care and medical supplies as well as making life long friends.  Janet’s nursing career encompassed the Manitowoc Health Care Center, Two Rivers Hospital, North End Drug’s Home Care, HomeCare Health Services and Hospice (Director of Nursing), the City of Manitowoc Public Health, and the Calumet County Public Health.

*While at North End Drug Janet pursued and received the first licensed Homecare and Hospice license for the state of Wisconsin.

Janet never met a stranger. She had a love for all people and accepted them as they were, and where they were in their life. She treated everyone as a friend and gave support to those that needed help. She had the heart of a servant and made God’s work, her work. Starting at home, she was faithful and loyal to her family and friends, all while carrying herself with grace and kindness. She was a wonderful wife and mother, being the heart of her family from the beginning.

Her amazing love for people was strengthened by her faith, her study of natural medicines, as well as her knowledge of nursing. Through this, she changed many lives by helping others find healing in their body, soul, and spirit.

Her motto was “ Love never fails” and her love never did. She was in turn loved by everyone and she will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.

Survivors include her husband: Anthony “Tony” Vogel; her children: Abby (Daniel) Diederichs, Anthony “Tony” Vogel, Alex Vogel; her grandchildren: Lennon Garcia, Gratian Garcia, Harrison Diederichs, Harper Diederichs; one sister: Mary Beth Johnson; one brother: Richard (Darlene) Rydzewski; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Linda (Roger) Braun, Kathy (Gary) Weber, Tom Vogel, Steve (Cindee) Vogel; nieces; nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Gerald and Helen Rydzewski; one sister: Patty Rydzewski; one brother-in-law: David Johnson and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Anton “Tony” and Dorothy Vogel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 22nd, 2023 at the Capitol Civic Centre (Merten’s Lounge) , 913 S.8th St, Manitowoc.

Family and friends will be received from 3:30-6:30PM.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, (Pfeffer) is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

“By chasing our hopes and dreams, we inspire others to chase theirs. By being creatively courageous and fearlessly fighting for what we believe in, we inspire others to do the same. By being open and giving of our light, we lift the spirits of others, who then reflect that light to another and another. It’s a reflection that can be endless.” Author Unknown

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