Thomas Dean Vogtman

Thomas Dean Vogtman, age 63 of Park Rapids, MN, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. Tom was born on July 21, 1957 in Park Rapids, MN to Dean and Marie (Cunningham) Vogtman. He attended Park Rapids Area High School and continued his education while receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bemidji State University where he pursued his lifelong passion of History. Tom had a remarkable memory and was well known for his historical knowledge of Hubbard County. Tom was also passionate about studying and educating others regarding American and European history.

Tom served proudly for many years in the United States Naval Reserve as a U.S. Navy Seabee, and Utilitiesman Second Class Petty Officer. Tom always spoke fondly of his many travels throughout Asia and the Western Pacific as well as his time on the West coast serving with the Construction Battalion.

Tom was a jack-of-all-trades and talented craftsman working numerous jobs and vocations throughout the local area over the years prior to being overcome by heart disease and diabetes. He loved the outdoors and was very in touch with nature always planting a new tree and taking care of the land he homesteaded south of Park Rapids. He always enjoyed a cup of coffee with any of his numerous coffee buddies over the years frequenting both Wimpy’s Cafe and the Great Northern Cafe.

Tom will be greatly missed by numerous friends and family in the Park Rapids area. He is survived by his 3 children: Tracy Vogtman, Dean (Jena) Vogtman and Phil (Akiko) Vogtman; 4 grandchildren; 3 sisters Cheryle (Denny) Coughlin, Carol Vogtman and Theresa Vogtman and 6 nieces and nephews.

A small, private celebration of life ceremony will be held Sunday, October 11th, at Tom’s property where his remains will be returned to the earth amongst his beloved pine trees.

Arrangements by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids. Friends may leave online condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com