James Vogrinc

James Vogrinc

December 18, 1947 - February 07, 2026

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Obituary

James (Frank) Vogrinc, age 78, passed away on February 7, 2026, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 18, 1947, in LaSalle, Illinois, to Frank and Marjorie (Grobelny) Vogrinc.

Jim grew up in Rockford, IL, graduating from Boylan High School.  Later he attended Rock Valley College, where he met future wife, Cheryl Zitzke, before being drafted into the United States Army in 1970. He served in Vietnam until December 1971. Shortly after returning home, he married Cheryl on January 8, 1972, and together they recently celebrated 54 years of marriage.

In 1979, Jim and Cheryl moved to Madison, WI, where he began a new chapter as a manager at Madison Kipp Corporation. Over the years, he continued his career with several companies before retiring to enjoy the things he loved most. Retirement allowed him to spend cherished time at his beloved cabin in Montello, Wisconsin – fishing, boating, relaxing by the water, and sharing countless memories with family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife Cheryl; his daughters, Julie (Mike) Hughes, Andrea (Parker) Schleinz, and Lori Johnson; and his grandchildren, Evan Johnson, Alex Johnson, and Elena Hughes. He is further survived by his siblings, Janet Sue (Doug) Jones, Brian (Kay) Vogrinc, Bruce (Beth) Vogrinc, and Laurie (Frank) Reidelberger; his brother-in-law, Steve (Linda) Zitzke; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Mary Vogrinc; and brothers-in-law, Larry and Michael Zitzke.

Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A small family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate his life. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the VA and Agrace Hospice for the compassionate care he received.

Jim will be remembered for his steady presence, his devotion to family, and the quiet strength that shaped every chapter of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dane County Humane Society or a charity of your choice. To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservices.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257

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James (Mac) McCoy
Friend •
I served with Jim with the 196th LIB near Da Nang, Vietnam in 1971. My condolence to Cheryl, his wife and his family. I am with you in mourning his passing. Jim quiet, listened and offered his thoughts when ask. He was courageous and gave his best in support of the platoon and the mission. The photo I posted weth Jim, me in the center and Jergens on the right was during a search and clear mission about 2 weeks in. He used these short rest periods to write letters home. His note pad and pen were always with him. Jim is at rest and free of pain in Gods loving care. I salute you Brother, fellow worrior and friend
DW
Dennis Whittaker
Friend •
Our 'D' Company, 196th Lt. Inf. Bde., Americal Division enjoying a beach break following 6 weeks of being in the field in combat. I believe Jim to be the first soldier in the picture. I was very fortunate to have served with Jim and the other Platoon members. Dennis Whittaker
DW
Dennis Whittaker
Friend •
I am writing to share a picture of Jim Vogrinc, located at the bottom left side, during a lunch break out in the field. He is pictured with members of the 3rd Platoon, Co. 'D', 196th Lt. Inf. Bde., Americal Division, in Vietnam in 1971. Best regards, Dennis Whittaker
DW
Dennis Whittaker
Friend •
Dear Cheryl and Family, I am very saddened by Jim's passing. I was honored and privileged to have served with Jim in Combat in Vietnam. I was Jim's platoon leader in I Corps, South Vietnam with the Americal Division, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Delta Company, 3rd Platoon (nicknamed "Killer Platoon" years prior to our arrival In Country). Jim came to us in late March, 1971, together with other experienced soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile. I listened and learned from them. Jim was a quiet but courageous warrior. He never complained about anything. We (most of the time 17 in number) spent 12 to 14 days and nights in the field attempting to make contact with the enemy. We then were relocated out of the field to an artillery base (primarily Firebase Centre) to help provide security around the perimeter of the firebase for three days.. We would then return to the field and repeat the field and firebase support adventure for a total of six weeks. Once in a while, we would be sent on a special mission. We were then allowed to return to Division Headquarters (either in Chu Lai or near Da Nang) for a 3 day "respite" prior to returning back to the field. Jim was professional, dependable, responsible, accountable, capable and reliable. Although we returned permanently home from "Nam" 54 years ago, I enjoyed many phone conversations with Jim and other platoon members for well over a decade. My last talk with Jim was late last year. We talked for a while, and he never mentioned his health issues--that was Jim. I always felt that my platoon members were my responsibility, and I therefore thought of them as "my kids"--some who were older, but they were all my family. I honestly feel a great loss for Jim's passing, as I owe my safe return home from the War due to Jim and my men with whom we spent many perilous hours, days and nights. Please know that he was well respected and liked . Very Sincerely, Dennis Whittaker, a former 1st Lieutenant
BP
Bob Preston
Friend •
My deepest and most sincere sympathies to Cheryl and family. I have so many memories of Jim - golfing, Fantasy Football, just talking about our lives, but my favorite has to be our canoe trip down the Wisconsin from Sauk City to Boscobel. You could have made a great comedy movie about that trip!
KD
Kenneth Dickson
Friend •
I am so sorry to learn of Jim's death. My condolences to his family. Cheryl, I know how much the big guy loved you. I served with Jim in Vietnam. We were together for almost our entire tour of duty, first with B Co., 2/7, 1st Cavalry Airmobile and later with D Co., 3/21, 196th Infantry (Americal). Jim was a great guy and a good soldier. I have many photos of him in Vietnam, and witnessed him take some brave risks to help his fellow wounded soldiers. Jim's fiancé wrote to him almost every day, and Jim wrote letters back to her on the back of her letters. Jim was a good man who will be missed by so many. He was my friend, and my brother as a combat infantryman. The first photo attached is Jim and I on Fire Base Center, I Corps, Vietnam. The second photo is Jim with a group of kids he helped save during a village raid. of

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