Karl E. Vogt, a man who embodied honor and fairness throughout his life, passed away on November 15, 2023 with his wife by his side, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and respect. He was born on January 4, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts to Edward and Beatrice (Huss) Vogt. Growing up along the picturesque Atlantic coast, Karl developed a lifelong love for sailing, an enduring fascination with trains, and a deeply rooted passion for the Boston Red Sox.
He received his undergraduate degree from the College of The Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. After two years of service in the U.S.Army during the Korean War, he pursued his master’s degree and PhD at Syracuse University. While at Syracuse he met and married his future wife, Joan, marking the beginning of their enduring and loving life together.
Upon completion of his PhD, Karl became the Assistant Dean of the College of Business at Syracuse University. During that time, and in conjunction with the University, he led a team of academics on a USAID project in Medellin, Colombia from 1964 through1966 to create a college of business there, (now known as Universidad EAFIT), which has become a thriving university with 12,000 students in various graduate and undergraduate programs.
Upon his return to the US, he accepted the position of Assistant for Planning for President Bill Jerome at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. He was promoted to Dean of the College of Business and served for 14 years where he also enjoyed teaching management courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. During that time Karl played an instrumental role as a member of a select group responsible for evaluating business schools, applying a stringent review process for The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. His final position at the university was that of Vice President of Operations.
Beyond his university role, he was also deeply committed to community service, serving on local boards to give back to the community, including the Wood County Hospital Board, and Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board. He was also a member of a men’s discussion group, The Junto Club.
Karl’s greatest love was for his family, followed by his passion for sports. As a sports enthusiast, Karl celebrated the end of the infamous “Curse of the Bambino” when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. He had a fervent love of golf and was a dedicated fan of BGSU football and basketball. He also considered the art of debate a sport, as many can attest, whether debating with his kids on the merits of Maslow‘s Hierarchy of Needs, or if “blood” on the first trick in the card game Hearts was allowed. For the last 22 years during the northern winters, he and Joan have enjoyed life at their home in Indian Rocks Beach, FL. Karl always had an optimistic spirit, often confidently asserting the sun’s imminent appearance even amidst the fiercest of storms. His unwavering faith in God was a cornerstone throughout his life, and carried him through his recent struggles with Parkinson’s Disease.
Karl married Joan (Sanderson) Vogt in 1957, and she survives along with their three children Lisa Vogt Hopta (Bill) Great Falls, VA, Chuck Vogt (Shannon) Decatur, GA, and Katie Vogt-Saladucha (Jeff) Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Also surviving are their six grandchildren Allison, Liz, Claire, Jack, Nicholas, and Alexander, and two great grandchildren Tyler Karl and Charlotte. His sister Marietta Vogt Crosby survives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim Vogt.
Visitation for Karl will be held on Friday December 8, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Saturday December 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 S. Enterprise St. Bowling Green, Ohio 43402, with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Father Tom McQuillen will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Karl’s honor be made to The BGSU Foundation for the Karl and Joan Vogt Scholarship for Leadership in Economics, Mileti Center, 136 N. Mercer Rd., Bowling Green, OH, 43403, or The BGSU Falcon Club, or Bridge Hospice at 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, OH, 45840.
