Bradley Thomas Vogel

Bradley Thomas Vogel, 70, of Coopersville, Michigan, passed away at his residence on July 20, 2026. Affectionately known as BT to his family, Brad was born March 15, 1956, in Lafayette, Indiana, the third child of six, to Mitchell Julian and Emily (Mauzy) Vogel.

From an early age, Brad had a love for places that gave him room to be himself. He grew up in Plainfield, Indiana, which he always considered home, but some of his favorite childhood memories came from summers spent with his parents, siblings, and cousins along the shore of Lake Michigan. Those family vacations sparked a lifelong affection for Michigan that would draw him back many years later.

After graduating from Conroe High School in Texas in 1974, Brad spent three carefree years at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. The laid-back river town and the freedom of college suited him well, and the late 1970s offered him the opportunity to enjoy life on his own terms. He eventually returned to Indiana, joining his parents in the family retail and office supply business in both Rockville and West Lafayette.

By the late 1980s, Brad was ready for another change and headed back to Texas, this time to Austin, where he joined Dell Computer Technologies. He remained with Dell through its years of tremendous growth and into the mid-2010s. In 2016, after nearly two decades in Texas, Brad made his way back to Michigan-the state that had stayed with him since those childhood summers. He first settled in Onekama and later in Coopersville, where he spent his final years. Through all the moves and different chapters of his life, some things remained constant. Brad was rarely without a dog or two by his side and found profound enjoyment in the simple, unwavering friendship they provided. He was a longtime enthusiastic supporter of Purdue women's basketball and a loyal Detroit Tigers fan. He had a quick, sarcastic sense of humor and an unmistakable, often boisterous laugh.

Brad was, by nature, a free spirit. He was independent, private, and never one to worry much about following the crowd. He was not especially social and was quite comfortable keeping to himself, but that did not mean he lacked connection. His family knew him, loved him, and appreciated him for exactly who he was. In his own way, Brad remained a familiar and important part of the lives of those closest to him.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Emily Kathryn Vogel; and his cousin, Robert Michael Adam. He is survived by his siblings, Mitchell Robert (Claudia Grossman) Vogel of Indianapolis, Rev. Douglas Weldy (Lynelle) Vogel of Winona Lake (IN), Jane Ellen Vogel of Indianapolis, and Stuart Newby Vogel of Evansville; three nephews; seven nieces; seven cousins; and his lifelong friend, Dr. Doug Neeld of Fort Wayne.

A memorial celebration of Brad's life will be held at a later date.