Gary Mack Vogelsberg
August 21, 1942 – December 27, 2023
Gary Mack Vogelsberg, D.D.S., M.S., 81, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children in Omaha, Nebraska on December 27, 2023. He was born in Englewood, Colorado on August 21, 1942, to parents, Velma (Adair) and Karl Vogelsberg.
He married Bernice McGroarty June 3, 1967, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Two days after the wedding, Gary earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Diploma from Creighton University. He enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the Dental Unit of the United States Army Training Center and Fort Leonard Wood from July 1967 to June 1968.
A Combat Medic in the Vietnam War, Captain Vogelsberg was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969, and was awarded two Bronze Star Medals in 1970 for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces in the 25th Infantry Division. He was discharged with full honors in April 1970.
Upon his return, Gary undertook an advanced education in Pedodontics and earned his Master of Science from the University of Nebraska in 1973. Dr. Vogelsberg was a founding member of Pedodontics, P.C. in Omaha, Nebraska.
A pediatric dentist of 40 years, patients still remember him as the “singing dentist” full of silly songs and magic tricks that made going to the dentist a positive experience. He was dedicated to serving children with special needs at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals.
An avid sports fan, Gary held a tee time every weekend at Highland Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska. He enjoyed the companionship of his golfing buddies and family every time he played the game. He also shared his love of a variety of sports. He took his wife and children to Omaha Royals baseball games, and was a ticket holder of the College World Series for more than 30 years. He also had a passion for the NFL’s Denver Broncos. And he never missed a Nebraska Husker football game, whether in person or cheering from home.
In 1997, Gary and Bernice Vogelsberg moved to Durango, Colorado, where they spent nearly 25 years enjoying mountain views and brilliant sunsets. Every fall, he enjoyed driving the “loop” from Durango to Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride, to see the changing colors and take in the mountainous scenery. Gary enjoyed scuba diving, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and sitting on his deck to watch the hummingbirds.
While living in Colorado, Gary practiced pediatric dentistry in Durango and Bayfield before retiring in 2005. Gary was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and served as the Grand Knight at St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango. He also served as District Deputy for the Knight’s Colorado State Council.
He and Bernice returned to Omaha, Nebraska, in 2021 to be closer to family. No matter where he called home, he was a true patriot. His home was proudly decked out with American flags.
Gary Vogelsberg is survived by his wife, Bernice Vogelsberg; two children, Jennifer Vogelsberg Barber (James) of Goodyear, Arizona, and Timothy Patrick Vogelsberg (Jennifer) of Papillion, Nebraska.
His memory is cherished by his three grandchildren who fondly knew him as “Pa”, Emma Barber of Goodyear, Arizona, and Kellen and Carter Vogelsberg of Papillion, Nebraska.
Gary Vogelsberg was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Vogelsberg of Lafayette, Colorado just two months prior.
ROSARY: Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, 9:30 a.m., followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10:30 a.m., St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, 16701 S St.
Interment, Calvary Cemetery, 7710 W. Center Rd.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of the Rosary and Funeral Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of the home page.
9 Comments
I met Gary through his daughter Jennifer when we worked at Channel 7 in Denver. He was a bright, humorous character and we enjoyed swapping stories and laughs on several different occasions. Gary and Berniece proudly showed me around Durango when I visited many years ago and he proved to be quite the tour guide. Condolences to the family on their loss. He leaves behind many good memories to treasure.
Bernice we are so sorry for your loss. of Gary. We miss you guys since you left Durango especially the Knights of Columbus guys. He was an important member of their team. He always had a smile. God Bless you and may your good memories carry you through your times of loneliness ahead.
We first met Gary when our youngest son needed dental work. There was no doubt that we had found the best pediadontest around when our son continually wanted to go back! Later we were privileged to know Gary and Bernice better through church events and our shared belief in the sanctuary of like. We were fellow Nebraskans, fellow patriots, and fellow Catholics – the perfect recipe for friendship. Heaven has gained a previous man. Our prayers join so many others as we send our love to Bernice and the family.
Gary has been an inspiration in my life for a long time. We shared fun times in dental school with Bernice and Judy helping with laughs. I always loved his humor that got me laughing out loud, but was always kind. I was his board examination patient in ’67.
Gary went off to Ft. Leonard wood and then to VietNam after graduation, A couple years later, I followed him to both places. I wasn’t brave enough for children’s dentistry though. I’ve always said that there’s a special place in heaven for pediatric dentists. His gentle ways, his infectious smile, his generous nature, will warm my memories. If I meet him again, I’ll know I made it to heaven.
My sincere condolences Jen and family. What an inspiring life.
Bernese, I am so sorry for you and your families loss . Gary was a good man , so kind . I missed you both , after you left Durango . Gary wanted you to be close to your children . he was so protective of you , and showed his love in so many ways , God bless
I was a dental assistant for Gary at Pedodontics PC for several years. He was an amazing man and boss. I have such wonderful memories of his many silly songs and his great sense of humor. He really did make going to work fun. I haven’t seen him in years, but he is someone that made a lasting impression in my life.
Tim and Family, we are sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. He sounds like an amazing man who lived a full life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With love, The Donner’s
Sorry for your loss
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