Janice Karin "Jan" (Whitcomb) Vogel

Janice Karin (Whitcomb) “Jan” Vogel, 73, of Battle Creek, Michigan, died at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo.

Jan was born February 3, 1953, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Harold and Cornelia (Smith) Whitcomb. Jan was a 1971 graduate of Lakeview High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and her master’s degree from Ferris State University.

Jan dedicated her professional life to education, serving as a parapro, teacher, administrator, co-op coordinator, grant coordinator, and principal at the Calhoun Area Career Center for 35 years. Jan continued her career as a consultant to the Michigan Department of Education for nine years before fully retiring in 2017.

A blind date led to marriage. Janice Karin Whitcomb and Joseph Daniel Vogel were united in marriage on August 20, 1971, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Sadly, Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, on February 2, 2024. Surviving are a son, Jake (Heather) Vogel of Huntington Woods, MI; a daughter, Jessica (Tim) Crane of Battle Creek, and granddaughter, Taylor; two sisters, Marilyn Stoothoff of Yakima, WA, and Dyane McAllister of Louisville, KY; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

Jan and Joe loved traveling throughout Michigan in their RV, especially exploring the beaches along Lake Michigan. She loved tipping a glass of white wine with her family at the family cottage in Hastings. Jan also loved playing cards with family and friends, and more recently, at the Heritage Center in Marshall. She enjoyed live music at Clara’s On the River and at Horrocks. Jan was always ready with an open-door policy for family and friends, with munchies and cards prepared for anyone dropping in. She valued the grief program at Battle Creek Friends Church and was an active participant at the church. Jan consistently served over the years on numerous local educational and organization boards. Jan will always be remembered as a loving family member and friend, ready to organize and prepare for whatever the next happening or occasion needed.

Jan’s family will receive those honoring her at Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive St., Battle Creek, MI 49014, where a service to celebrate Jan’s life and onward journey will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Inurnment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Rose Arbor Place or the National Down Syndrome Society.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal memories or messages for Jan’s family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.