Elbert Vogelsanger II

Elbert E. Vogelsanger II, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born April 12, 1927, at St. Ann's Hospital in St. Louis, son of Elbert E. and Opal M. Vogelsanger.

Elbert served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was discharged in January 1948 from Camp Stoneman, Calif.

He retired from McDonnell Aircraft Corp. in 1987 after 35 years of service. He received a degree in aeronautical administration from Parks College of Aeronautical Technology of St. Louis University in 1952.

During his employment with McDonnell Aircraft Corp., two of his assignments were Projects Mercury and Gemini in Cocoa Beach, Fla., seven years. The seven original astronauts and later ones were involved in those programs. Following that, he was sent to California for 13 years and was on a now-declassified spy satellite program called Hexagon. He also spent two years in New York and shorter periods back in St. Louis. Another unusual assignment for Elbert included the Peace Sun Program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 1980 to 1982. McDonnell sold 65 F-15 airplanes to the Saudi government and sent personnel to the country to teach them how to fly and maintain the planes, plus provide management backup during that time.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mary Sue Finney Vogelsanger, whom he married May 19, 1951, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau; two sons, John Francis and wife Cynthia Vogelsanger of San Jose, Calif., Stephen William Vogelsanger of Santa Clara, Calif.; three grandchildren, Paul Ryan, Erin Michelle, James Eric; two stepgrandsons, Sean and Steven Sczepanik.

Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

A memorial Mass will be held at Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church at a later date. Inurnment will be in Lorimier Cemetery at a later date. Please call Ford and Sons or refer to its website for memorial Mass day and time.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Salvation Army, Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Southeast Hospice or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.