Justin Kogl

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.