Louis F. Voegeli, Sr., born February 17, 1921, passed away quietly in his home at 48 North Forty Road, Woodbury on Tuesday, November 21. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Della (Evers) Voegeli, he was the son of the late Louise (Bornmann) and Henry Voegeli. Lou was born in Naugatuck and lived there until 1972, when he moved to Woodbury. A 1939 graduate of Naugatuck High School, he trained as a toolmaker at Scovill Manufacturing in Waterbury. A few years after finishing his apprenticeship, he started a small company in the mid-1940's which later grew to be Oxford General Industries, Inc., a tool and die company in Prospect.
A Rotarian since 1970, he served as President of the Naugatuck Rotary Club in 1977/78 and was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award for his many contributions of time and efforts towards the ideals of Rotary. His love of children encouraged him to begin his favorite program in the Naugatuck Rotary Club. Many children of both the Naugatuck Youth Services, sponsored by the Naugatuck Rotary, and Woodbury Community Services, sponsored by the Voegeli family, have been the recipient of his generous nature at the annual Children's Christmas Parties held in his barn at his home, Te Kokomiko Miniature Horse Farm. Lou and Della hosted eight Rotary Youth Exchange students from around the world, as well as Rotary Group Study Exchange team members. A lover of horses, Lou was All-Around Cowboy of Connecticut in 1942. Switching to the English style of riding, Lou and his champion jumper Rimwrack, competed in horse shows throughout New England, as well as Madison Square Garden from 1944 through the late 1950's, receiving many ribbons and trophies. Their best year was 1952 when they earned the Connecticut Horse Show Association year end jumper championship. Rim retained the championship in 1953 and was Reserve Champion Jumper of the CHSA in 1954 and 1955. Since his retirement from OGI in 1992, Lou has been raising miniature horses and Shetlands at his farm.
He was a member of the Naugatuck Congregational Church and presently the North Congregational Church of Woodbury. Lou served on the Board of Trustees at the Naugatuck Savings Bank and the Board of Directors at the Naugatuck YMCA. He also served on the Naugatuck School Building Committee.
Besides his wife, Lou leaves four daughters and their spouses, Linda & Brian Barrett of Southbury, Lorna & Gordon Eckman of Woodbury, Donna & Thomas Carnaroli of Middlebury, and Wendy & Charles Guglielmetti of Bethlehem, and a son and daughter-in-law, Louis & Jacqueline Voegeli, Jr. of Woodbury. He also leaves 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. An avid athlete with a passion for country music and dancing, Lou touched many lives with his warm smile and giving nature. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Lou's name to a charity of your choice.

Services: There are no calling hours and a private burial will be held at the family's convenience.