Hal was born June 30, 1920, and raised in Stockton, CA, a descendent of pioneer California families. He attended St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA, on a baseball scholarship. His baseball career took him to the Chicago Cubs’ organizational roster in 1940. He entered the FBI as a clerical employee at FBHQ and became a Special Agent in 1943. Following assignments in Boston and Syracuse, he was encouraged by Mr. Hoover to join the Army. He saw action with the 75th Combat Infantry Division during the Bulge breakthrough into Germany. He was awarded two Bronze Battle Stars, was injured and sent home to the Presidio in San Francisco to recover, and was honorably discharged to return to the Bureau. In 1948, fate and Mr. Hoover transferred him to the Butte office where he met a lovely young steno named Carol Flemming. They were married in Butte at St. Patrick’s Church on May 21, 1949. Butte was to be his home for the next 65 years, long enough that he considered himself a native.
During his career at the Bureau, he was a founding member of the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and was a long time instructor both in Bozeman and in Helena. The Academy recognizes his contributions each year with the Hal Vogelsang Award, given to a graduating officer who exemplifies the highest degree of fidelity.
Hal was mandatorily retired from the Bureau in 1977 and became a private investigator. Along with his PI job, he was an avid golfer, found time to be a Rotarian and an engaged grandfather, as well as a founding board member of the Paul Clark Home/McDonald’s Family Place. He could be found at basketball games and track meets, no matter the weather; first following his son, then his grandchildren.
Hal lived independently in Butte until the fall of 2013 when he moved to Helena to be closer to his daughters and their families.
One of his greatest adventures was a trip to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, at the age of 93. Marquis Vintage Suites sponsored two veterans from Butte on a three-day trip where they toured and were recognized by officials and students. Hal was interviewed by a local TV station while there.
Hal was preceded in death by his beloved Carol in 2005; his parents and parents-in-law; and is survived by his grateful children: Jay and Kathy Vogelsang, Thea and Dave Van Nice, and Ellen Vogelsang and George Olsen; his precious grandchildren: Kevin and Tasha Van Nice, Craig and Lynn Van Nice, Jessica and Bryan Van Meter, and Kelsey Vogelsang; his cherished great grandchildren: Mason Van Nice, Sara Van Nice and baby boy Van Nice, due in June. He is also survived by extended family: Brian and Maria Olsen and their children Madelyn, David and Olivia; and Kara and Michael Libster and their daughter Samantha. His brother-in-law, John D. Flemming and his wife, Mary Ellen, and their families also survive.
The family offers special thanks to his caregivers at Aspen Gardens in Helena who made his last days so wonderful because of their expertise, commitment, and loving care of Hal: Sherri, Aimee, Kathy, Mariah, Ariel, Courtney, Jenny, Morgan, Chance, Melissa, Sara, Chianomi, Debbie, Cheri, Jordan, Dawn, and Paula and Billie before that, we cannot thank you enough for all you did for our Dad. You are truly angels who walk on this earth and we are forever grateful.
Cremation has taken place. Hal’s ashes will be interred with Carol’s at a private family service, per his wishes. Memorials in Hal’s name would be welcome at the Butte Food Bank, 1019 E 2nd Street, Butte, MT, 59701; Paul Clark Home/McDonald’s Family Place, 207 S Excelsior, Butte, MT 59701 or Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 75 Executive Dr Ste 327, Aurora, IL 60504.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Darcy Pfeuffer says
He was a very sweet man, I loved going in his room at night when I get to worked and see him smiling, He would say OH no I not you again I would laugh say OH Yes . He will missed.
Bob and Carol Ridgeway says
our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Sending you hugs.
Richard Van Nice says
Thea, Ellen , Jay and the whole family, hugs to you. I will most miss Hal’s smile. Many years ago I attempted some humor with him and when he smiled I said”Your response is very good. You’re able to groan and smile at the same time.”He laughed out loud and said, “Yep, it’s
a gift.” Keep smiling Hal.
With Love, Dick (Richard Van Nice)
Tom Mangan former FBI Agent says
Hal was a great FBI Agent and Former Agent. He dedicated many hours developing the Big Sky Monida Chapter of the former FBI Agent Association. He will be greatly missed.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox says
To Hal Vogelsang’s Family and Friends. As Montana’s Attorney General and chief law enforcement officer, please accept my condolences on behalf of the people of Montana, and on behalf of all Montana law enforcement professionals. The Montana Law Enforcement family has lost one of its best. Hal was an extraordinary public servant, and his legacy lives on at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena, Montana. Last Friday, I presided at the 155th Basic School graduating class of the Law Enforcement Academy. Among the awards given to members of that class was the Hal Vogelsang Award. The Hal Vogelsang Award is given to the officer in each class who displays the highest degree of fidelity as determined by the academy staff. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional qualities of honor, pride, integrity, duty, loyalty, and service to not only the class but the staff and entire profession. These are attributes that Hal lived and practiced in his personal and professional life. We will miss you Special Agent Vogelsang, but your high standards and professionalism will live on. To Serve and Protect – God speed sir.
The Berve Family says
Dear Vogelsang Family,
Our Father/Husband Richard Berve grew up with Harold in Stockton, California. They remained friends and in contact throughout the years until Richard passed in October 2011. He was very fond of Harold and proud that he had a friend that served in the FBI. Richard’s wife, Beveraly, subsequently kept in contact with Harold until he moved from Butte. We were saddened to learn of Harold’s passing.
We all send our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to you all.
The Berve Family
Mike Worley says
I had the pleasure of working with Hal in the Butte office. I was only there for eight months before being transferred to Chicago but in that time, I really appreciated Hal’s mentorship and advice. Because of the short time I was there, I only remember a handful of agents and clerks that I worked with in Butte, but Hal is definitely one I remember well – now 50 years later.