Rita Vogel

There was sorrow when her parents were told at her birth that Rita had a genetic disorder known as Down syndrome. More sorrow surely followed, especially when a bout with measles at age four robbed Rita of her limited language skills and left her profoundly disabled and autistic. A child with special needs isn't something parents wish for, but Charles R. and Dolores A. Vogel loved Rita and tried their best to give her a happy life with her three older brothers. Rita died in her sleep Sunday, May 24, at her group home in Brown Deer. She was 64. Over the course of more than five decades, Rita's mother often recounted her obstetrician telling her after Rita's birth: "Take her home and love her. She won't be with you very long." While Down syndrome shaped her life, Rita shaped the lives of her family and offered lessons in compassion, kindness and patience. Whether learned or not, Rita was here to teach. Through Rita, parents Dolores and Charles Vogel and later, her brother Paul, taught the meaning of unconditional love and devotion. Acknowledging that it was time for Rita to be cared for at a nursing home was unquestionably the hardest decision her parents ever made. Lengthy car trips for monthly visits followed for the rest of their lives, first to Rhinelander and later to Ripon. When walking more than she wanted or being taken to the dentist, Rita often would crouch stubbornly. No amount of coaxing could persuade her to give up her "civil disobedience" stance. It was a lesson in patience. Sometimes, it was hard to get Rita's attention. "Rita, get your feet off the sofa!" her mother often scolded. Rita would dutifully comply. For awhile. Eye contact? No, she often preferred slipping into her own little world, happily spinning a ball as it rested on the back side of her hand or dangling her socks while rocking in a chair. It was so hard to get Rita to keep her socks on that she usually was dressed in tights. With the immediate reward of a cup of coffee, she learned to pour her own. Rita loved coffee. She seemed able to tell the time of day as she anticipated weekend coffee deliveries from her brother Chuck. At one point in life, Rita was overweight. It wasn't her fault. Regardless of good intentions, letting Rita devour all the Oreo cookies she wanted was not an act of kindness. Rita was a gift from God who bound her family in ways they have come to cherish. They will miss her, but will honor her by taking to heart the lessons she taught. * * * Rita lived much of her life at home with her family. She was loved by all who knew her, but especially by her late brother and guardian, Paul R. Vogel. Rita is survived by brothers Charles G. (Kathleen) of Mequon and David M. (Christine) of Wauwatosa, nieces Kate (Robb) Edwards, Clare (Daniel) Friedrich, and Jean Vogel, and nephews Matthew C. (Brenna) Vogel and Paul B. Vogel, and grand nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass with attendance limited by the pandemic has been celebrated. Memorials appreciated to Pro-Life Wisconsin or the charity of your choice.