06/12/2026
Mildred Vogelsang, 98, passed away on the evening of June 9, 2026 at her home in Godfrey, Illinois with her family at her side.
Millie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, big sister, aunt, cousin, and a good friend to many. She was a kind, generous, strong willed, and humorous woman who loved all sports and excelled at most.
Millie was born on June 2, 1928 in Alton, to the late Peter and Mary Perica Sr. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School followed by Alton High School, Class of 1946. She attended Shurtleff College in Alton before starting to work for Standard Oil, and later for CJ Schlosser CPA firm.
She married John D. (Jack) Vogelsang December 30, 1950 at St. Mary’s, forming a bond that would last close to 65 years. She raised 3 daughters and that kept her busy for the next 30 years. She enjoyed her time after retirement, spending winters on the Florida Gulf Coast, walking the beach, searching for seashells, and playing golf. She enjoyed traveling and was able to visit Europe with her daughter as well as attend her grandchildren's events throughout the country. Millie's Alton High Class of 1946 remained close throughout the years, and she helped organize a class cruise to the Caribbean. Millie enjoyed music, dancing, and going to a good concert. She instilled the love of music in her children. She was fashionable and enjoyed shopping for herself and others.
Millie was an avid golfer and played in several golf leagues throughout the area, including the Lady Birdies Golf League. She was a long-standing member of the Godfrey Women's Club. She enjoyed working on the Christmas Carousel each year and raising funds for nursing scholarships at Lewis and Clark Community College. Millie was a great cook, and you were lucky if you were able to enjoy one of her meals as a family member, neighbor, or friend. She lived in her same neighborhood for over 70 years.
Millie was preceded in death by her husband John Vogelsang, her parents, her in-laws, Ervin Vogelsang Sr. (Dorothy), her brothers, Pete Perica Jr. (Delores), Paul Perica (Patty), Ray Perica, and brother-in-law Ervin Vogelsang Jr. There are many aunts and uncles on the Perica and Barach side of the family whom she will join in heaven.
Millie is survived by her daughters, Dr. Judy Vogelsang of Kansas City, Dr. Pam Vogelsang and husband Dr. Jeff Hampel of St. Louis, Linda Benson (Ken) of Naples, FL, brother, Ken Perica (Ellen) of Cincinnati, Ohio, sisters-in-law, Rosalie Vogelsang of Godfrey, and Sue Perica of Lakeland, FL. Three grandchildren will sadly miss their Nani, Stephanie Clark (Ian) of St. Louis, Lauren Hampel of Kansas City, Chris Hampel of Golden, CO, and one great granddaughter, Ella Clark of St. Louis. She will also be missed by her nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the country.
A special thank you to BJC Hospice team, Tina, Melissa and Ariel, who have been helping with Millie’s care throughout the past year, and to Dr. Kristen Stabell for her excellent medical care over the years. Also a big thank you to her great neighbors, Dan and Patty Engdale, Toni and Mike Varner, Fred and Sheila Hornsey, Ellen and Richard Boyle, Laura and Curt Isaiah, Ellen Wedding, Sue and Jack Buydos, Kris and John Kline who have helped in numerous ways. To Angie Laubsher for her help over the past years with keeping Millie’s house neat and clean. To Donna Reed for her elegant hair care given at Millie’s many visits to the beauty shop. To Father Steve Janoski and the St. Ambrose Church family for their help and concern throughout the years.
Last but not least, Millie loved animals and will be dearly missed by her little white Shih Tzu, Mylie.
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. You may view the Mass via livestream by visiting the church website at www.saintambroseparish.org
Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 820 W. Homer M. Adams Parkway, Godfrey, IL 62035 or to the LCCC Foundation Godfrey Women’s Club Endowment, c/o Debbie Edelman, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL 62035.
Mom, Nani, we will miss your smile and laughter that could light up any room, the wonderful meals and desserts you prepared, and all of the love, care, and guidance you provided through the years! Have fun in heaven cheering on your favorite golf and tennis players, enjoying old movies, and watching over all of us from above.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
