Tom Voegel

Thomas Michael Voegel went home to his Lord at 63 years of age. Tom struggled with Lewy Body Dementia for several years. This disease took his abilities away leaving him frustrated, but he was able to maintain his sense of humor. The last week of his life, he suffered a pulmonary embolism which allowed him to slip into heaven. He was with his wife, children and siblings during this week. He made sure to wait until his son, John returned home from Europe, then passed away peacefully with John at his side on Saturday, April 16, 2016. A true gift from God.Tom was born June 7, 1952 to Don and Dolores Voegel. He attended St. Gerards grade school, Central Catholic High School and graduated from Great Falls High in 1970. He met and married Jill Volkman, his wife of 35 years and together they were blessed with three children; Jody, John and Nikki; and later their one grandchild, Phoenix Rose.Tom was a jack of all trades, was very good with his hands and had an excellent mechanical mind. If there was a job to do, he could do it! He did everything with a passion, to the point of being ejected from a few of his kids sporting events.Tom will be remembered for his storytelling abilities, although somewhat exaggerated, he could tell a whopper of a tale. Just mention a squirrel around family and friends alike and all will chuckle and laugh remembering his rendition. He loved music and belting out his favorite verses. Through the years Tom liked being active whether he was shooting baskets with the kids, playing handball or softball with the old Earls Bar team. In recent years, he particularly enjoyed fishing, especially if he was sitting in his homemade ice house waiting to spear a northern pike. He had a couple mounts he was proud to display and eagerly would tell you all about the fight to land them.Tom is survived by his wife, Jill; son John Voegel; daughters Jody and Nikki Voegel: granddaughter Phoenix Rose Voegel; brother Donald Voegel Jr (Cheryl) of Malta; sisters Sue LaVoie (Roger) of Helena, Francene Albrecht (Bill) of Great Falls, Lori Sullivan (Emmet) of Helena; mother-in-law, Louise Volkman; sister-in-law Theresa Williams both of Cascade; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Dolores Voegel; grandparents Peter and Anne Voegele and William and Francis Simmons.In lieu of flowers, memorial scan be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.A celebration of life will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.