Early Monday morning, November 4, the Lord lifted to his heavenly home the soul of Judith Ann Vogel, following a 3 1/2 year battle against ovarian cancer. Her time of earthly service for her Creator, Savior and Faith-maker was 61 years and 1 day.

Judy was born November 3, 1941 in Winner, South Dakota. She was the first child of Pastor Lester Groth and Ruth nee Kionka. As an infant she entered into the Triune God's family when her father administered the sacrament of Holy Baptism upon her at Zion Lutheran Church, Colome, South Dakota. In her early teens she promised faithfulness to the same God and the teachings of his Word in the rite of confirmation at St. John Lutheran, Stanton, Nebraska.

Judy received her elementary training at Saint John Lutheran School, Stanton, her secondary training at Dr. Martin Luther High School, New Ulm, Minnesota, and her elementary teacher training at Dr. Martin Luther College, also at New Ulm, Minnesota. She taught in Lutheran grade schools at St. Andrew Lutheran, Saint Paul Park, Minnesota, and at North Trinity Lutheran, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

On June 16, 1968 Judy entered into the divinely instituted state of marriage with Vaughn Vogel at North Trinity Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She served faithfully and joyfully as a helpmate to her husband pastor and her husband's ministry at Messiah Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Zion, Illinois, and at King of Kings Lutheran Church, Kennewick, WA.

Judy is remembered as a wonderfully organized, talented, patient, loving Christian woman. She was a model many exemplified and many enjoyed having as their relative and friend. Her expertise was parenting, teaching, organ and piano playing, and child care. Her love was her daycare where for nearly two decades she nurtured infants and taught toddlers the basics of reading, writing and caring. No child left her daycare without singing sincerely and enthusiastically ''Jesus Loves Me'' and other simple Bible- based songs.

Judy served her Lord for as long as she was able while awaiting his call to serve him in glory. Three weeks before her earthly departure she played the organ for the last of a thousand plus worship services throughout her lifetime. Only one week before her transfer to the Church Triumphant she attended and actively participated in a choir rehearsal and a Ladies Guild gathering.

Judy is survived by her husband, Pastor Vaughn; 6 children - Lisa Paul Rittierodt of Auburn, Washington, David Tracy of Overland Park, Kansas, Daniel Amy of Lannon, Wisconsin, Michael of New Ulm, Minnesota, Joel fiancée, Jocelyn Neitzel of Mequon, Wisconsin and Timothy fiancée, Anna Boehm of New Ulm, Minnesota; 1 sister, Susan Sinclaire of Boise, Idaho; 1 brother, James Linda Groth of Mequon, Wisconsin; 5 grandchildren - Melanie, Brian & Noah Rittierodt, Jack Vogel and Rachel Vogel; 1 nephew, Alex Groth; 3 nieces - Alexia & Ashley Groth and Sherry O'Connor; other relatives and many, many friends. Her parents and 1 son, Jonathan, preceded her into paradise. ''Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'''

Memorials in Washington: King of Kings Lutheran Church, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice Center, Gift of Life Ministry in Ukraine, or the charity of your choice.

Memorials in Wisconsin: Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Scholarship Fund, Martin Luther College Scholarship Fund, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice Center, or the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2002, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, Kennewick.

Visitation will be at King of Kings Lutheran Church from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 11, 2002, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Thiensville, Wisconsin.

Visitation will be at Calvary Lutheran Church from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday and 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday.