Spring Valley founder dies

Oliver F. Vogel, founder of Spring Valley Turf, died on Aug. 13 at the age of 88.

After his barn was struck by lighting and killed most of his milk cows in April 1954, Vogel started Vogel Seed & Fertilizer (now known as Spring Valley Turf). He was President for 35 years.

Vogel is survived by his wife, Betty, and four children, including Spring Valley CEO, Bill Vogel and president, Randy Vogel.

Vogel was born on June 7, 1924. He was a lifetime member of David’s Star Evangelical Lutheran Church and a past member of the church council. He started the Cedar Valley 4-H Club which later became the Kirchhayn Trotters 4-H Club. He also started the Dairyland Softball League.

He was a member of the past Jackson Business Association. In 1970, Vogel was appointed a director of the Jackson State Bank and also became a director of the Fertilizer Association. In 1976, he was a member of the MATC Advisory Committee. Vogel received the Wisconsin Ag. Dealer of the Year Award in 1988. He was a member of the Town of Jackson Planning Commission for 22 years and also served as Chairman on the Board of Appeals.

Vogel also helped start the Jackson Senior Citizens organization.