Justin Kogl
Share
Justin Kogl passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022 after a brief but courageous disagreement with Esophageal Cancer. He apparently finally lost a bet. He can confirm Cancer Sucks!
Justin made his presence known on April 11, 1968 in Atwood, KS, to Ronald John and Ella Grace (Seitz) Kogl. As always, he made a grand entrance for all to see by barely making it to the hospital justin time (see what I did there) for “Shirts off Thursday”. He breezed through school in Colby, KS and graduated from Colby High School in 1986. He went on to a short stint at Colby Community College, getting an Associate’s Degree in Art two years later. When he wasn’t making new friends, quoting Monty Python and talking about his love of music he attended Emporia State University to get a BA in Secondary Art Education in 1991. This is where he met the love of his life and completely average cook Michelle Thomas. They married on September 28, 1996 after an eight-year odyssey to confirm that she was, in fact, “the real deal”. In 1997 following their love of mountain biking, accessible outdoor activities and the engaging atmosphere of down town, they moved to Lawrence, KS.
Once they settled in Lawrence Justin became the owner of ArtFrames. He was a successful expert custom art framer and proudly built a reputable business that was respected by the local artist community. Justin was a multifaceted member of the Lawrence fabric. He enjoyed being a part of and welcoming new members to the Hoity Toity Book Club, Bike and Beer Wednesday, and the Larryville Hash House Harriers. As an eclectic philanthropist he supported many charities, fundraising events, and loved riding the trails with his biking co-conspirators. Justin was a notorious 7-year member of The Sandbar staff as a bartender, influencer, (good and bad) and float builder.
As a professional adventurer, Justin never said no to sky diving, zip lining, scuba diving, sun worshipping, bad dad joke telling, topless dancing, kilt wearing, bathtub boating, deep sea fishing, sunset watching, bar dancing, pool playing, tent camping, funny face making, karaoke abusing and teaching at Butler County Community College. It has been said he always had a smile on his face, oftentimes it was his own.
Justin is survived by Michelle, his wife of 25 years, mother, Ella Kogl, Topeka; siblings, Janie (Don) Shelden, Tuttle, OK, sister-in-law, Debby Kogl, Akron, CO, William (Blanca) Kogl, Orlando, FL, Travis (Kelli) Kogl, Topeka, KS, Melinda (Joel) Bruntz, Bazine, KS, thirteen nieces and nephews and fourteen great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Kogl, and brother, Jody Kogl. Justin also leaves behind a diverse array of friends and merrymakers of all ages that he loved to debate with, call on their excuses and challenge them to live life on their terms. Be brave, have no regrets and live fearlessly.
A celebration of life for Justin Matthew Kogl, 53, Lawrence, will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on February 27, 2022 at Abe and Jakes Landing in Lawrence, KS. A private family inurnment will be on February 26th at 2pm.
Memorial contributions may be made in Justin’s name to the Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Gods speed young man. Your community is better because you were in it.
Bev and Wayne Westhoff, parents of your friends, Chad and Jana Tuttle Westhoff.
All our love and cheers to a life WELL-lived. XOXO
Such a good guy and so very helpful and great to work with over the years at Fast Frames. Sending deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Didn’t get to know Justin real well, but we were close to Michelle for several years. Anytime she talked of Justin she lit up. He really was her “real deal” and she adored him. It showed in all the wonderful adventure pictures. He was always smiling and living life to the fullest. He was good people and the world will miss him. God speed!
Harlanne Roberts
Justin was a gem of a person, a brilliant conversationalist, marvelous framer and a truly wonderful center of so much joy and love in Lawrence. He is missed and loved so much!
Justin may not have lived a long life but was full of life every moment and the obituary was a beautiful testimony on that. He will be greatly missed in so many ways by all his family and friends. He was a wonderful man.
You don’t know me, but I just wanted to share my condolences for another life ended too soon by the beast, Esophageal Cancer.
My deepest condolences to his wife, Michelle, and all of his family. Strength and peace to you all.
Sending love to Michelle and family. Justin’s shining personality made him a legacy. He will be missed dearly.
This guy knew how to live life. Whenever I find my self sad about his absence I go outside and it comforts me. It comforts me to get together with so many of our mutual friend and talk about things we did and all the fun we had. I plan to continue having fun and great adventure in his honor. His spirt is so strong and I have faith that we will be reunited on the other side someday…
Sincere heartfelt condolences to Michelle. Justin touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed. Wishing you comfort and peace as you navigate through the journey of grief.
You left your mark on me Justin. You’ll always be in my thoughts.
So sad to hear to hear of Justin’s passing. I always remember his great ability to engage with people and help them think, laugh, and move forward courageously! We went to Grade school and high school together.
My deepest condolences.