Jon Wogen
Jon Wogen, age 77, of Olivia died Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Renville County Hospital in Olivia. Memorial services are Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia with Rev. Matt Hausken officiating. Visitation is Wednesday at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. and continues Thursday at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date at Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Lake Mills, IA. Jon’s wishes for memorial donations are to the Olivia Park Board for the development of a natural playground for the Pond Park. Arrangements are with Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.
Jon Ramon Wogen was born November 24, 1938 at Lake Mills, IA, to Raymond and Anna (Talle) Wogen. He grew up at Lake Mills, IA, and graduated from Lake Mills High School. Jon graduted Luther College, Decorah, IA, and received his Masters Degree from the University of South Dakota. . Jon married Jan Putz on September 5, 1964 at Fountain City, WI, and they were blessed with two sons, Matthew and Erik. Jon taught Science classes in Norway, IA, and then at Olivia, MN after moving there in 1977. Even though he retired in 2001 from BOLD School he will be remembered for being a lifelong educator teaching many how to appreciate nature. He was a faithful member of Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church and enjoyed the Friday morning ecumenical bible study at Masters Coffee Shop. His community involvement was extensive including being a member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Friends of Renville County Parks, Tatanka Bluffs Corridor Group, National Rifle Association Renville Rangers Shooting Club, Prairie View Bike/Hike Trail Committee, Olivia Parks and Recreation Team, Buffalo Lake Rod and Gun Club, and serving on the County Park/Trails Board. Jon loved to teach concealed carry gun classes and renewals and to assist Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4-H youth with outdoor activities and lure making.
Jon is survived by his wife Jan Wogen of Olivia, his two sons: Matthew Wogen of Louisville, CO, and Erik (and Sheila) Wogen of Broomfield, CO; his two grandchildren: Maggie and Ingrid Wogen of Broomfield; his brother Phillip (and Mary Jo) Wogen of Lake Mills, IA; and his two brothers-in-law: Harry (and Judy) Putz of Fountain City, WI and Donald (and Dorothy) Putz of Osseo, WI. Jon was preceded in death by his parents.
Blessed Be His Memory
