Terry A. Vogelsong

Terry Vogelsong, age 67, of Novi, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, son of Garold and Nancy Vogelsong. Terry was united in marriage to Leigh Cooley on July 11, 1981; they spent over 44 years dedicated to their love.

Terry graduated from Clay High School in Oregon, Ohio, as a member of the Class of 1976. He went on to attend Bowling Green State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1980. During his time at BGSU, he was honored with an invitation to join Omicron Delta Kappa, an honor society recognizing exceptional academic and leadership achievements. In 1988, he furthered his education by earning his MBA from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Terry joined the Army after graduating from BGSU. He was stationed near Atlanta, Georgia, starting out in engineering where he learned to build structures and then transferred to finance, where he excelled. As a captain, he ended his Army career in Washington, D.C. where he received the Meritorious Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1988.

After discharge, Terry began his federal government civilian career in the Washington, D.C. area, first as a programmer analyst within the Department of Defense. From there, he transitioned to the IRS where he spent the rest of his career developing, testing, and automating complex payment systems. Concurrently he returned to the Army Reserves part-time and was discharged as a major.

In 2000, Terry embraced another opportunity for growth, transferring within the IRS to Detroit, Michigan, where he accepted a position as an IT specialist, serving as a subject matter expert for the IRS for its travel systems and then as a financial management analyst. He concluded a distinguished career of 38 years of government service upon his retirement in 2018. In recognition of his exceptional service, he was honored with the Albert Gallatin Award, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s highest career service award.

Throughout his life, Terry was active in the Boy Scouts and proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult, he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for many years. He enjoyed mentoring young scouts and planning high-adventure trips, including Philmont Scout Ranch (hiking), Northern Tier (canoeing), and Sea Base (scuba diving and boating). Terry had a lifelong love of movies, whether at the theater or at home, with Star Trek among his favorites. He was also an avid collector, amassing a complete collection of Disney films as well as CDs from the 1970s and 1980s, with a special appreciation for the music of Olivia Newton-John. An active individual for many years, Terry enjoyed skiing and running. He completed several half marathons, as well as a full marathon at Disney.

He traveled extensively throughout the country, but the trips he cherished most were those shared with his wife. Together, they created lasting memories, often planning their travels around their beloved Bowling Green State University football team, following them to away games at Division I FBS schools. One such trip even led to an unforgettable Alaskan cruise.

Terry was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Northville, where he actively supported mission work and service efforts. He generously gave his time volunteering with Midwest Mission, ASP, and Motown Mission, a service project in Detroit.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Leigh Vogelsong; his sister, Carol Hanley; his sister-in-law Kay (Layne) Leemaster; his nieces, Erica (Josh) Bowman and Holly Leemaster; his nephew Matthew Leemaster; his great nephew Wyatt Hanley; an uncle, Charles Reinbolt; and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his niece Angela Hanley, and several aunts and uncles. He will be deeply missed, and his family and friends will forever cherish the many memories they shared with him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 777 West Eight Mile Road, Northville. Rev. Sarah Wheatley will officiate the service. He will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green, Ohio.

As Terry was both a transplant recipient and a donor, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to Donate Life America, 5516 Falmouth Street, Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23230 or to First United Methodist Church Northville, 777 West Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167.