Craig Vogel Obituary

Craig, if you only knew how many of your friends are missing you, You would be proud just knowing that your nephew, Ryan, looks the spitting image of you.

It has not gotten any easier. I miss you terribly. Your ashes have been traveling the world. Henry has even taken you to the top of Mt. Kilamanjaro (sp). I am trying to celebrate your life. I wish you were here to enjoy your nephew's children. You would love them. Perhaps you are watching over them now. Missing you so much.Love you, Candy

Another year of missing you terribly. Your memory lives on Craig. I love you, your sister, Candy

I was just going to call Craig to ask him to tune my piano and play (for $$) at a holiday party I am having.
I couldn't find his phone number on the web. I became alarmed, searched the obituaries and here he is. I am saddened even though I did not keep in contact.
One memory that makes me smile every time I think about it is when he and I went to Xtapa, Mexico.
Craig hooked up with the hotel band and would sing, play, and jam with them nightly. It was so much fun!
Another time he gave me a piano for my birthday or something and later came and took it back! :o) We had our moments!
Reading the guest book brings back fond memories of his mother, sister on Minnetonka, and some of his friends that I had the opportunity to meet.
I particularly remember Adam, Giovanni, Henry, and his sister.
One time Craig was leaning over and his pants were slipping down in the back. Adam says, "Hey Craig, I think you need a new body! That one has a crack in it!"
Craig and I went to New Years party at Henry's house once and we all made goals for the New Year.
One time we went to his sister's house and spent a great time on the lake and at her house.
I took for granted that Craig would always be around. Sorry.
I hope Craig is having a good time in heaven.
Jill Goodsell

Three years. There are no words. I miss my brother so much. I hope you all think of him once and a while.
He would have loved playing with his great-nephew, Hunter. He would be so proud of his nephew Ryan. The heart-ache is still there. We miss Craig so much. There are no words.

Two years have passed since Craig left us. His dog Polly joined him a couple of months ago. He loved that dog.

Henry has been writing a book about the travels he has taken with Craig's ashes. I can't wait to read it. Henry is doing just what Craig would have wanted. My mother was so glad that Henry was willing to do that for the family. Thank you Henry. You put my mother's heart and mind at ease before she died.

Remember Craig. Think of him often. I know we do.

It has been one year. A very long, hard year. We all miss Craig very much. Wish we could change things.

Remember Craig.

Thank you, The Vogel Family.

We are so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. We have been trying to contact him. He was our piano tuner ever since we bought it from him. we liked Craig very much, he was a kind, gentle, loving man. We were saddened when we heard the news from a neighbor who saw the obituary. We will miss him very much.

I met Craig Vogel six or seven years ago, when, in my mid-40s, I had started taking piano lessons and was looking for a used piano. He sold me an old Everett upright, made in 1909, for about $500. I was immediately struck by his sense of humor and his integrity, and over the years, I came to respect and appreciate him all the more. He tuned my piano every year or so, helped me move it once, and at one point I had started taking piano lessons from Craig, after purchasing an instructional video tape he had created. But in our few meetings, I and my wife learned a number of details about his life. He told us stories (including one about taking a shower and making a sandwich while a telephone solicitor waited on the other end of the line) that were so funny so uniquely “Craig” that we’ve repeated them a number of times to friends, always crediting the source.



I was always planning to have that old piano refinished, a job he had offered to undertake, but I could never quite find the very reasonable sum he had wanted. Now it sits in a room next to my kitchen, and when I look at it, I think of him. I learned of his passing a few weeks ago when I telephoned to talk to him about the piano. It still seems unbelievable that he is gone -- that I can’t call him up, have him tune the old Everett once again, listen to him play a few songs, and hear a few more stories. I can only think of handful of people I’ve met, in my 52 years on this planet, who I Iiked and respected as much as Craig. He was kind, funny, generous, smart, down to earth, and a joy to be around. The fact that he is gone makes me profoundly sad; this sadness is tempered only by the fact that I was lucky enough to be able to know him, even a little bit. He was truly one in a million.

I learned of Craig's passing this past Saturday when I had my piano delivered to my new home by the good people at Manny's. As always, I was looking forward to calling Craig out to tune it and deal with some of its other issues. I met Craig when I bought my 1904 Kurtzmann, antiqued green, at Craig's suggestion back in 1982. I'll never forget meeting him the first time--he left his door unlocked and a sign on the door that said "Come on in, there's coffee." He had a cockatiel flying around. He arrived to discuss the piano I was planning to purchase. Through the years I would lose touch when too down and out financially to care for my piano, and would call him back for tuning when I could. He had meals with us, played at a Christmas party at our house one year not so long, and I'll never forget a hot summer night in one of our old uptown apartments where I took out my accordion, he strummed a guitar, and another friend of ours impersonated Dylan -- Craig was convinced we should enter the Dylan contest at the 400 Bar.



I am saddened by the shortness of his life, because he was one of those great souls that know the importance of music in this life and he was just a genuinely good person that I looked forward to seeing again soon.



I will miss you Craig.



Diane

It's Sept. 10th, and my husband just informed me of Craig's passing. What a sad surprise. We're sorry to have missed out on all the memorial events, and to gather with Craig's friends and family.

We first met Craig at the State Fair about 6 or 7 years ago. He was sporting a black leather jacket and a long pony tail, and was standing next to his partially restored piano. I thought " now there's a very cool biker dude piano guy". We got his card, and started having him come over and tune our piano, and got to know this very cool biker dude piano guy. What a lot of fun he was!

Then we came across an upright piano that was painted YELLOW, and asked if he wanted to tackle restoring this beast to its lovely original pickled oak finish. He lept at the chance, even though his calendar was full. He did an excellent job, and the beauty of that 1918 upright inspired me to learn to play. He was very supportive, and gave me many pointers and tips of how to learn quickly and easily. Every time we had him out to tune it, we fed him a big lunch or dinner, and he even braved a nasty blizzard once to get here just for the food! ha!

I'm sad that we won't be seeing him anymore.. at least in this life.

To all of his family and close friends, our thoughts are with you.

See ya, Craig.

My brother was my protector. From the time I was little, he would always say "Don't mess with my baby sister!" whenever he thought I was feeling threatened. Actually he would say it just to say it. When he grew up and left for Utah, I was heartbroken. I just didn't know how I would survive without him.

He came back for a visit. I borrowed a pair of his jeans. I drew pictures of the band Procol Harum (sp)all over his pants in ink. He didn't even get mad at me. Well, not for too long anyway.

Once when I lived in California, he went with my ex-husband and I to Santa Cruz to go "camping". We stayed at a KOA (a far cry from the camping that Craig was used to). Thus the creation of his song "Mama Don't Take My KOA Away". I never heard the end of that one.

Then there was the time he took my girlfriends and I to the Boundary Waters to canoe and portage and camp under the stars. He left my friend Betty in charge of buying the groceries for the trip. All she bought was fruit and nuts. When we set up camp and got ready to eat, well, needless to say, none of us were too happy with Betty. Craig found it hilarious and was kind enough to serenade us with his rendition of "Fruit and Nuts" for three days. I don't think we could have had a better time. It rained the whole time and we never caught any fish. But, he taught us how to stay dry underneath our canoes, and he taught us how to propell a canoe without any oars, and he taught us how to have a great time.

Actually, my brother taught me an awful lot that I am forever greatful for. It is hard to write about Craig right now. Not because I don't want to, but because I cannot get a grip on the fact that there will be no new memories of him.

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank each and everyone of you again for all your heartfelt thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your memories of Craig. Keep telling them around the campfire or while you play the great music you do. Share those stories with your friends and family.

I miss my brother deeply. I do know he is still protecting me.

Candy Jensen

I can clearly remember my sister, Karen telling me that she was not going to go out with Craig Vogel--they had nothing in common. Then, after a few dates, she said she was not going to be his girlfriend. Followed by ... "I'm not going to fall in love with him." And finally, "I love him".



When I saw Craig and Karen together, there was no question that the love between them was sincere and real--the way they looked at each other, the gentle manner in which he touched her, and their happiness at being together. I remember he called me to tell me that he loved Karen and that she was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He wanted only to be with her and and her family, which included each of her four children, Andrew, Eric, Katie and Kenny. He told me that she was his hero. He gave love and friendship to each of her children and in return they welcomed him as mentor and friend. He wanted nothing more than to have her family as his family.



Most of all Craig brought happiness and laughter to Karen and filled her heart with love--he gave her life new meaning. Thank you, Craig, for loving Karen always, heart and soul.

I met Craig for the first time about 6 years ago when I bought a piano from him at his shop in the California Building. He had no trouble convincing me that we needed a piano. A week later Craig showed up with a blanketed piano in the back of a pickup truck. With very little help from me or his slight assistant he carried in and placed the piano in its spot. As he removed the cords and packing quilts I remember vividly the expression on his face when I told him that it wasn't the piano I had purchased from him the week before. After he recovered from that joke, he waited years to get even and I won't go into those details but I will say that our paths crossed again last October and he charmed his way into my life forever.



From last fall until the present Craig and I crammed so much living into too little time. Our relationship grew from friendship to love. He could have and should have run when he learned I had four children (three teenagers at home) but he said he wasn't going anywhere. Instead he became involved in our lives and developed relationships with each of my children. He often said he didn't get just one person to love - he got five. It was a package deal. He loved us and we loved him back. Pure and simple. Craig transformed our lives. He brought music, in every sense of the word, back into my life with his endless capacity to love, his profound joy, and his passion for life.



Craig, you are always in my heart and always on my mind. I love you. Karen

We can't exactly pin point the actual date that we first met "nice" Craig, we just know that we are glad that we did.



Our daughters, Heidi, who Craig nicknamed "screamer" and Sarah, who Craig nicknamed "ewok" (now both in their 20s) have known "Uncle" Craig for their whole lives. Greg, more often just "Meier" to Craig and "Sumac" (I don't think Craig ever called me Sue) are really missing Craig right now, but we have some great memories from the 25+ years.



He introduced us to a great variety of music including the washtub "gut pucket" which Dave "frog" Adams had mastered quite well on a snowshoe/x country ski weekend. A memorable weekend for a variety of reasons.



In the mid 70s, we lived in an apartment on 27th and Hennepin. It was a close community of friends. Craig often visited. One night we were at Dave Robinson's apartment. Dave turned on the stereo for all of us to hear the music of "Blind Chitlin' Jones". Unknown to us, it was Craig, in Mark Gappa's apartment across the courtyard, simo casting a very entertaining program for all of us. Never a dull moment with Craig.



We have one of the "piano man's" pianos that we got from Craig in a trade for an old VW bus. When he would come to tune it, we'd have dinner and always send home a leftovers care package. Craig loved food.



Craig had so many wonderful friends spread out across the country. His stories were endless. It didn't matter how often you would see Craig; whenever your paths would cross, it was so easy to pick up where you left off. He has touched a lot of hearts.



We look forward to his memorial get together; "celebration of Craig's life" and meeting more of these friends and hearing more Craig stories.



Forever in our hearts "NICE" Craig,



Meier, Sumac, Screamer & Ewok

To Craig's Family and extended Family:



I am so saddened by the loss of this great friend --



I met Craig in about 1974 and he left an imprint upon my heart thereafter. So many laughs, so many tears. I ran the rental office where Rodger and Craig lived, Nob Hill Apartments. I was a single mom with two little girls to raise and I was terrified. My youngest daughter, Shannon previously had major surgery on her leg, had been in a body cast for almost two years. When she got her cast off, I was told by 5 surgeons that she would never walk again, without a corrective apparatus or braces. Craig was my shoulder to lean on and told me not to listen to the doctors that he would help me out with Shannon. As time went on, Craig worked with Shannon exercising, swimming and just walking to strengthen her leg -- he did this unknown to me, while I was working. He and my daycare mom worked things out!!!!! He didn't want to get my hopes up -- until he had results. He never let up working with this spirited little girl and had the patience of a saint. His therapy methods were not "typical" as we all know Craig was not typical -- but they worked -- thank God. After months of therapy, Shannon walked without a limp and could run and play with the other children. To this day, she has no limitations, no restrictions and I believe, thanks to Craig, no braces on her legs. My memories of Craig over the years are too many to write -- but they are in my heart and always will be -- I will miss him so much -- there are just not enough words to express how much.



Rodger, Andrea, I love you and will always be here if you need anything.

My husband Henry and I are working on a book commemorating Craig's life. We are bringing what we have to the gathering at the California Building this Saturday (at 4 pm). We will have a scanner there, so please bring photos. You can add your stories to the book by writing them on paper and giving them to us Saturday, email your info to me at [email protected], or send snail mail to us at 1608 Blackhawk Lake Place, Eagan MN 55122. We have inserted stories from the wonderful entries in this guest book. If you want to elaborate, add photos or edit, please do so. For more information you can call us at 651 452-1448.



The California Building event includes a jam session for all you musicians and singers...we're not sure we've spread the word well enough. Appetizers, hors d'ouevres, sweets contributions are welcome.



We miss him so much and hope to meet with you at the memorials and hear about your adventures with Uncle Craig.

I first met Craig in 1986 after having moved to Minneapolis from L.A. Being a working musician I had answered an ad he had placed for a bluegrass bassist (Sons Of The Tundra along with Bill & Kevin Schwab). Ever since that day I knew this guy was something extra-special! We had some of the greatest times hanging out and playing up at Smittys Bar in northern Wisconsin. Uncle Craig was such a talented individual and just so much fun to be around. I'll miss him more than words can convey.

Craig “Turk” Vogel showed up one winter at the Deep Powder House in Alta, Utah: had to have been 1971 or 1972. He was accompanied by a “Singer” industrial sewing machine and a variety of material. Turk was sewing custom wool caps and peddling them with honest heartfelt sincerity. He sold a bunch of them. He didn’t have to try hard because it was darn near impossible to say no to Turk. It wasn’t long before everybody in Alta and Snowbird knew Turk. He was bigger than life, energetic beyond belief, charismatic, mischievous, an adventurer, and a true friend. His merriment was infectious. I played music with Turk during his entire Utah tour and we had many a string band session together. When Turk played music he became the instrument he was playing. He was gifted with a unique outlook on life and he had a way of bringing prospective to any situation. Being with Turk made you think. Turk knew who he was and I greatly appreciate having had the opportunity to know him. My only regret is that I never got back to Minnesota to go fishing with him. Sadly, it wasn’t because he didn’t try to get me there. From my perspective Turk lived a big life and now I suppose he has another adventure underway.

I met Turk in Alta Utah when he and I were about twenty one. The Chef of Alta Lodge at the time (a character himself) dubbed Craig Turk probably for that lovable devil may care, head-on into life intensity he so often displayed and shared with those around him.

Turk was so versatile and talented! Ill never forget him belting out the folk tune John Henry: it was inspirational and I continue to play music in part because of him. Yet, perhaps unknown to some, Turk made a living for awhile in Alta sewing hats: wild colorful puffy hats that somehow fit in with the resort atmosphere and sold well. Sunny days youd see people skiing down the hill with his crazy hats on.

Having come from Minnesota I really knew nothing about the Mormons that inhabited the valley below Alta. Turk felt this was not acceptable and convinced me I needed to find out about the culture in which I was now living. He said he would accompany me on the visitors tour the Mormons offer of the Temple Square area in Salt Lake City. The tour was developed by the Mormons to portray their historical version of how the religion came about. This trip with Turk turned out to be one of funniest yet educational experiences Ive ever had and will never forget.



See You later, Turk



Chris Himmel, Utah

I stopped by the store around the corner from O'Gara's where Craig shared a business with partners,Dave and Pat.I was hoping to sell them some advertising. (Didn't happen). Instead, I was about to meet one of the best friends I could ever have- Craig.

What seems like not so long ago, was actually 1978. Time always went by too quickly when Craig was in the picture. His wit, kindness and wisdom made him one of a kind! Over the years, our lives took different paths, but we always managed to stay in touch. The kind things he did for me were always his idea. Always thinking of the other guy and what would make them happy. When he heard that my Dad collected antique steam engines,he organized a trip north to a friend's home to check out a steam engine that was for sale.He cheerfully took time from work to go with my Dad and make it happen. It was his way of helping both parties, so typically Craig. Four years ago, I recovered from cancer. After my treatments were finished, Craig offered to play on the patio of a restaurant where I was meeting with family and friends. He played some old favorites for me.It was a great day! The list goes on...

I miss this friend who taught me so much. I feel very blessed to have known Craig.

My heart goes out to his family and friends. Remember the good times this lovely man shared with us. They are sure to bring you comfort and make you smile.

Colleen, Rodger, Cheryl, Kent and Candy,



All my love to you and I want you to know that we all share your loss. It makes me ache to think that we won’t play “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” again.



Over the last 30 some years, Turk and I have had some incredible times. Good and bad, but right now I can’t think of anything bad. He was Uncle Turk to my kids. Like Grant, I met Turk in Utah in the early 70’s. He was living with some friends of mine from California. The friendship was instant. He played and I play and then we played. If fact we played right up until about two weeks ago at my cabin in NW Wisconsin. Turk drove in on his motorcycle, armed for bear. Luggage, guitar case and just a lot of stuff. It was a wonder that motorcycle could haul that load. We had a great 2 or 3 days together, just enjoying the Northwoods, the water and laughing. You always laughed when you were with Turk.



Last November, Turk and I had an incredible 3 days at the cabin, mostly just playing. He brought a cassette tape that he and I had made in my living room in San Luis Obispo, CA in 1985. We played all of our old “standards”, Way Downtown; Stealin’; Salty Do..etc. I took the cassette tape home with me and had it digitized and put on CD. Turk was so happy to have it preserved. No, can’t remember the bad times right now.



I love you Turk,



Mikey, Debbie, Chris & Natasha Griffith

I know Craig as "Turk." We met in 1973 at Snowbird Utah when he had come from Minesota & I came in from California to spend the winter skiing. We shared a house in Sandy, Utah with Jon Werdal and some other fantastic "brothers" (Olin & the boys). Jon & I traveled from Utah that year to visit Turk in Minnesota and we canoed the St. Croix... a memory I'll never forget. Turk always said: "Let's keep the circle unbroken." He kept his promise, and we have stayed close friends and in touch all these years. I know this is hard on family and friends, but we were all blessed by just knowing him and sharing in his wonderfull life. Ole

I was so saddened to read of Craig's death. I hadn't seen him for many years. My sister Kate was a Mounds View classmate of his, and they continued to stay in contact over the years because Craig tuned the wonderful grand piano that belonged to my father, a boogie-woogie player, at Kate's house in St. Paul.

In our college-age years, Kate and Craig and all their friends became my friends as well; instead of just being a younger sister, we could hang out and know each other as young people. He was a fun, great person even then. I still have photos of all of us at a Rock Festival at Midway Stadium in about 1971...Craig in the sun, sitting in overalls with no shirt, Steve M. playing scrabble on a blanket, Kate, Troll, and others, enjoying the music of (among other bands)"It's a Beautiful Day." Seemingly carefree days. Again, my condolences to all of you.

Ah, Craig!



I met Turk at Mark Himmel's place in Salt Lake City, (1973?). He comes in one night with a few guys, guitars, little wine, lots of laughs. We must have sung songs until 3 am. First time of a hundred times.

This thing evolved into the Cottonwood Canyon Turkey Herders Association: Turk on vocals, guitar and anything else (he could play them all), Mike Griffith, vocals and lead guitar, David Adams, electified, amplified, string wash-tub bass, me, a little banjo or fiddle, and any and all others who joined us singing, laughing into all hours of the day or night.

The Farm: An hour north of the Twin Cities. Turk was a ranch hand @ the Eagan's ranch, herding the cows when they got out, removing the manliness of some of the steers. I ran barbed wire with him one day, you go back over the same stretch time after time (13 times), getting nicked by the barbs, he never complains, and then you see the traces of where he's been nicked too.

The Turkey Herders go to a Wisconsin Gig: On the way, we're boating the St. Croix and we find some guys in a rubber boat trying to paddle up river. We toss them a line, and pull them. Turk says: lets go a little faster, then the line breaks: The rubber boat stops dead in the water and the guy in front flys out in a L'il Abner Dive. His buddy screams: he can't swim. You really never say anything so funny. We were laughing so much, we were barely able to save that guy!

Trips down the St. Croix by canoe...Diving in Bonaire....The great times went on and on. Turk used to love singing "Desperado", its running thru my head now. Rest easy, my friend.

Candy, Gary and I are sorry to hear about the passing of your brother, Craig. From reading the great memories in this guest book, I wish we would have known him. Our prayers are with you and your family.

There is nothing worse than getting a call at a time and place where and when you don't expect one. When I heard Doug's voice say "this isn't a fun call" I knew something bad was about to be told to me. Needless to say, I am in shock still.



After reading what people had to say in this guestbook, I could turn around and copy what everyone else said about Craig. He was so blasted funny and such a great guy. He gave my son, Mike, piano and guitar lessons. Craig could do it all. This fall my son asked Craig to come and jam with him and his buddies. Craig came. That was the type of guy he was. He cared enough to show up at some kids band jam that were twenty years younger than he. But I'm sure the reason was to see how Mike was doing with his music.



I called Mike and told him about Craig and there was nothing but silence on the other end of the phone. After Mike got a grip on himself he told me about the jam session and how cool it was to see Craig.



Craig has some great musicians to jam with in the next world beyond. Just think he is with Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Jimmi Hendrix, George Harrison, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin. I bet he is having a ball!! Play on, Craig!!



Sharon Guerre-Hall, Mark Hall and Mike Guerre

You didn't have to know Craig well to appreciate the person he was. I know he brought a lot of love to his family. My niece has a piano, because of Craig and his big heart. It will always remind us of Craig.



My thoughts and prayers are with Craig's family and friends.

I Just recently learned of Craig's death and my heart is deeply saddened by the news.



Craig was my first cousin and so I have alot of fond memories of him growing up. When I was in college I often would stop by Craig's shop to talk. He always had time for you, no matter how busy he was with his work. He was a no nonsense, down to earth guy who wasn't into game playing. He gave my wife and I a upright piano as a wedding gift. It wasn't more than a month ago my wife suggested that we invite Craig over to do some minor repairs on that same piano. Little did we realize that our son would be a budding pianist and our daughter declared that she also wants to take lessons. My one reget is not having the "piano man" around to see the lasting legacy his wedding gift made in the lives of our children's musical development. We will miss you "piano man"

I don't know where to begin. The extreme loss that my family is feeling cannot be put into words. Our hearts ache.

My brother was such a fabulous person. What a great mind and heart. I don't believe I have ever met anyone with such an incredible sense of humor. And oh, could he write.

He was a fabulous son, brother, uncle and friend.

To all who had the opportunity to share Craig's life, thank you. For all of your heartfelt prayers and thoughts, thank you again.

Candy, and family.

I have just learned of Craig's passing from a brief obit in the Mpls. Tribune. I am heartbroken, and do not know the circumstances of his passing. Craig touched my life and my family's; he tuned our pianos for many years and would entertain us on the piano; he would usually arrive on a motorcycle and tell us endless stories. We will miss him.

My studio is directly below Craig's. When spontaneous music would erupt from above, I'd smile because I knew Craig 'the piano man' was there.



He could teach anyone how to play the piano in just minutes; he really enjoyed making music accessible to everyone.



Tonight as I walked through the halls of the California Building, I came across one of Craig's pianos, which he had rescued and given a new life. I think there is a piano on every floor, because of Craig. He wanted everyone to play.



In the coffee shop, he always had a story for me. I knew him as a sweet and generous 'teddy bear' of a man.



I will miss hearing his stories. I will miss his music. I will miss Craig.



My studio is pretty quiet tonight.

It's just a terrible thing that such a kind, caring and compationate individual had to leave our lives. I just want to express my deepest condolances for this unexpected loss.

I first met Craig about a year ago. He always had a smile on his face, and made sure everyone around him did to. During the month of June 2004, I was fortunate enough to spend a substantial amount of time around him when I was home on leave. The amount of worldly knowledge he had to share with me was astonishing. It still amazes me that one person can be so educated in so many thing. I am so glad that I was able to be graced by his presence. All of Craig's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.



Craig will forever be remembered by all who knew him.