Floyd “Shorty” Vogelgesang

Floyd J. “Shorty” Vogelgesang, age 82, of Wanblee, S.D., died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

 

Floyd J. Vogelgesang was born Jan. 24, 1935, to Charlie and Ila (Hibbert) Vogelgesang. As a very young child, Floyd gained the nickname “Shorty” from his ability to walk under a table without hitting his head. From then on, he was always known as “Shorty” by his family and friends.

 

Shorty spent his childhood growing up in the Wanblee area. He attended Garner School, Wanblee School and Kadoka School. He went on to graduate from Kadoka High School. 

 

Shorty enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955. He served until 1957 and was honorably discharged. Shorty came back home to Wanblee where he spent his early adult years working for the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, Jackson County ASCS office and helping his dad on the ranch. 

 

On Jan. 4, 1964, he was united in marriage to Barbara Amiotte. They eventually made their home on Eaglenest Creek. While living on Eaglenest Creek their first daughter, Adele, was born.

 

Shorty continued to work for his dad and the S.D. Game, Fish & Parks. After the passing of his father, Charlie, Shorty took over full time operation of the ranch. He and Barb moved from Eaglenest Creek to the home on the ranch. A second daughter, Rhonda, was born to them soon after. Shorty continued to ranch and reside here until his passing.

 

Shorty and Barb continued to ranch and farm together for many years. Together, they made quite the team. They loved the community they had made their home in. From card playing to helping pull a calf to spring branding time, they treasured the many friendships. Many a young person was taken under Shorty and Barb’s wings, whether it was nephews, nieces or any young person, Shorty and Barb would take them in. 

 

Shorty was well known for his love of the outdoors. This love was fostered from a very early age. His knowledge of wildlife, hunting, fishing and the outdoors was unbelievable. Shorty was always willing to share what he had learned from his experiences. He was always up to share a story or two about his experiences, and so enjoyed listening to other’s stories. 

 

As a father, he taught his daughters all the things a parent should and more. Learning to drive a stick shift before driving an automatic, how to bait a hook, how to cook and eat what you hunt and the importance of being kind to others and so many important life lessons.

 

When the grandkids started arriving, he took the role of Grandpa very seriously. He loved his grandkids dearly. He taught them how to hunt, fish, drive, cook, how to care for the cattle, how to be a kind person, to forgive, to enjoy life, to take chances, and so many lessons only a Grandpa could teach. He once said, “I was the lucky one. I got to raise two families.”

 

Shorty will always be remembered for his quick smile, kindness towards others, his quick helping hand and his infinite knowledge of so many things.

Grateful for having shared his life include his two daughters, Adele Samuelson and her husband, Wes, of Rapid City, and Rhonda Antonsen and fiancé, Joel Aeschbacher, of Wanblee; three grandchildren, Audra Antonsen and boyfriend, Sam Aman, of Aberdeen, Todd Antonsen and Bobbi Antonsen of Wanblee. 

Shorty was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Vogelgesang; parents, Charlie and Ila Vogelgesang; one brother, Lloyd “Doc” Vogelgesang; and one sister, Janice Hibbert.

 

Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka with Pastor Gus Craven and Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

 

Music was provided by Rani Oyan, pianist, and Kassidy Ferguson, vocalist. Ushers were Blake Hicks and Mark Slovek. Pallbearers were Boyd Kennedy, Dewayne Kennedy, Joe Amiotte, Robin Amiotte, Steve Arment and Jay Vogelgesang. Honorary pallbearers were Tom Kukal, Fritz Arment, Pat Weaver, John Eisenbraun, Mel Eisenbraun, Bruce Conlee, the Wanblee community and all relatives and friends in attendance.

 

Interment with military honors was at the Kadoka Cemetery.

 

Arrangements were with the Rush Funeral Chapel of Kadoka.

 

His online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome.com.