Kristi Vogel, 60, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, at her Onalaska, Wash., home. She was the sixth daughter born to Dan and Marcella (Divine) Vogel. Kristi was proud to be the first born of a set of triplets, and she made sure that everyone she met knew it.
She came into this world weighing four pounds and possessed a fierce will to be a part of this world. Kristi’s life journey was one with many trials due to Down Syndrome. She attended school in Onalaska and then in Chehalis, after a school opened for special children like Kristi. Her mother drove her to school for many years, until the school began providing transportation. She always talked about her friends and teachers at that school. In 1980, Kristi graduated from W.F. West High School in Chehalis.
Her family was devoted to helping provide a wonderful and fulfilling life for her. She participated in Lewis County Special Olympics and won many gold medals. Kristi was so proud of them and always said that she was the “best swimmer in the family.” She also participated in the JUMP program at Thorbeckes and loved spending time there with her friends!
Kristi led an amazing life, and participated in all of her family’s activities. She took many vacations, including several cruises, a train trip to Arkansas and plane trips to Reno and Las Vegas. Kristi enjoyed camping, picnicking and road trips, if there was a place to go, she was always ready. She enjoyed watching game shows on TV, and was a very vocal supporter when watching her Seahawks games!
In 1998, her sister, Nancy and brother-in-law, John Suyat welcomed her into their home in Vancouver, Wash., after both parents passed away. She spent holidays and summers with fellow triplet, Kim and her family, until moving back into her childhood home with Kim and her husband, Jim Wilson in 2018.
Kristi’s life journey was one of great value to her family. She was a hero to all of us and she was loved beyond measure.
She was welcomed into Heaven by her devoted parents, Dan and Marcella; beloved sister, Nancy; triplet sister, Karla; infant sister, Kathleen; several infant nieces; and a nephew.
Kristi is survived by her triplet sister, Kim Vogel-Wilson, and family; John Suyat and family; Marcy Best and family; Mary Wilson and family; and Judy Halston and family.
Kristi had others that cared for her, especially as her journey was ending. These people enriched her days and provided many activities. Thank you Jeanne Caley, Sarie Torres, Joy Tilton and Jim Wilson. Kristi looked forward to seeing each of you, and always had stories to share.
A private graveside service will take place Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis, Wash. Please join Kristi’s family for a celebration of life and Toy Drive at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at Onalaska Community Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall. Donated toys will go to DSHS, to be distributed to children in need this Christmas season.
