Served the people of God for 22 years
HENDERSONVILLE — Deacon Richard “Rich” G. Voegele, 79, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021, at The Elizabeth House Hospice Care in the Asheville area.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Friday, July 9, 2021, at St. Barnabas Church (located at 109 Crescent Hill Dr. in Arden) with Father Adrian Porras, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hendersonville. Prior to the funeral Mass, the family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 9, at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, located at 72 Long Shoals Road in Arden.
A native of Glendale, N.Y., he was born Aug. 9, 1941, the son of the late Rudolph and Anna Langhans Voegele.
His career included 16 years as an avionics supervisor. Later, he felt drawn to full-time study for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He then devoted his time and energy as a social worker helping those with special needs.
Soon after, his pastor encouraged him to study for the diaconate. He was ordained on May 22, 1999, for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., by Bishop John R. McGann. Deacon Voegele’s first assignment was at St. Rosalie Parish in Hampton Bays, N.Y., where he served for 18 years. In 2004, he was also granted faculties for the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fla., where he served as a seasonal deacon for St. Sebastian Parish. Upon moving to Arden, he was granted faculties and assigned to St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville effective March 19, 2007. When he relocated to Hendersonville six years later, Deacon Voegele was assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville on Aug. 1, 2013. On July 2, 2015, he was granted retirement while maintaining all faculties.
During his 22 years of service to the people of God, Deacon Richard and his wife Regina were active participants in parish activities and in outreach into the communities in which they lived.
His was truly a life of following the Spirit of God.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Regina Wieman Voegele; one sister, Maryann Stack of Phoenix, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials contributions be made to Hendersonville Rescue Mission, online at www.hendersonvillerescuemission.com.
Groce Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
Retired High Point deacon
HIGH POINT — Deacon Thomas Jerome Kak passed June 25, 2021, at Hospice of the Piedmont following a brief illness. He was 86.
A funeral Mass and interment at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point will be held privately.
A Chicago native, Deacon Kak made High Point his home 50 years ago.
He was born July 22, 1934, and graduated from the University of Tampa with an undergraduate degree and the University of Notre Dame with a master’s degree in English.
He lived his life in service to others. He was employed as a teacher for several local schools including Westchester Academy and Guilford Technical Community College. In addition, he retired from the N.C. Employment Security Commission, where he worked as a career counselor. He and his wife spent many hours in the community volunteering time and talent with High Point Regional Hospital, the Community Clinic of High Point, Open Door Ministries, the High Point Museum and the High Point Theatre. He also performed in many plays for the High Point Theater.
Deacon Kak was ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte on June 11, 1989, by Bishop John F. Donoghue. He served as a deacon for 32 years, including 19 years as a deacon at his home parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. In retirement from active ministry in 2008, he always expressed his love for the Church and served it with utmost humility.
Many in High Point knew Deacon Kak as a frequent contributor to the letters to the editor section of the High Point Enterprise. He was an avid reader and was often seen around town with his favorite companion, his dog.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Ann Kak. Prior to her death, Deacon Kak and his wife were active members of the IHM parish community. They were involved in parish life, the liturgies of the church and in parish outreach into the community.
He is survived by his daughters, Emily “Phil” Gomez and her husband Rocky of High Point, Debra Lynn Welborn and her husband Robert of High Point, and Kali Griggs of Greensboro; grandchildren, Racheal Newman, Mackenzie Welborn, and Taylor and Tyler Griggs; and a great-grandson, David Byerly.
The family requests memorial contributions to be sent to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr., High Point, N.C. 27262.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.wrightfs.com.
Wright Funerals-Cremations was in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald