Jerry Charles Vogt

Jerry Charles Vogt passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2009.   He was born on April 25, 1948 in St. Charles, Illinois to Robert and Helen Vogt.   Jerry never married, and has no children. Jerry received a spinal cord injury in May of 1969, yet throughout his life pursued an active role in living life like others.   His often dry-humored, critical, wise-guy perspective was a source of humor and instigation.   Some of his materialistic accomplishments included owning his own home, driving his own vehicle, and working at several jobs.             After graduating from UW-Madison with a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Jerry started his own business called Achievement through Disability Awareness (ADA), through which he reported on solutions to physical access in housing, commercial facilities, and private businesses.               In 1995 Jerry worked as the Americans with Disabilities Act Technical Assistant for the State of Wisconsin.   He served on the Wisconsin Use Board beginning in 1993, he taught Sensitivity Training to taxicab and van drivers in Madison, and beginning in 1989 he co-taught occupational therapy students at the Madison Area Technical College.   Deeply involved in employment issues, Jerry was on the board of the Economic Benefits Through Individual Disabled Employment (EBTIDE), a group which had unrecognized, significant impact on the long-term care delivery system in Wisconsin.   Jerry was on the advisory board for the Medical Assistance Personal Care Program, Sports Programs, Arts Run Take Alliance and the Employment Resources Inc. Dane County Initiatives (employment) Project.   He served on the Madison Commission for People with Disabilities.   His sunny disposition and upbeat personality made an impression on everyone he met, and he will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.   Survivors include brothers Joseph Paul ( Houston, TX), James Robert and Doreen ( Western Springs, IL), and John Henry and Sandy ( Freeport, IL); and many nieces and nephews who loved him.   Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helen and Robert Vogt. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ACCESS to Independence, Inc. or Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, both of Madison, Wisconsin.   An open house to share memories of Jerry's life will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00pm. on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI.   PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION FOR GATHERING.