Del Norte resident, Dr. Phil Bogner, 66, passed away in his home on Saturday, September 2, 2017.

Born Phillip John Bogner, December 8, 1950, to Theo and Evelyn Bogner in Wichita, Kansas. Phil spent his early years on the family farm in Garden Plain, Kansas until he moved to Parsons, Kansas as a 7th grader. He attended middle school and high school in Parsons where he excelled in academics and also pursued a love of music. He earned a Putnam scholarship to Kansas State University where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in Psychology and Pre-Med.

During his time at K-State he met and married Carole Sue Reed. He then continued on to medical school at the University of Kansas where he earned the Roche Award.

Although he grew up a Kansas farm boy, the Rocky Mountains called his name. Phil fell in love with the beauty of Colorado, and upon graduating from medical school, he moved his family to Del Norte. Dr. Bogner practiced medicine at Chula Vista Medical Center for almost 20 years.

As a small-town doctor, he took great joy in his role as a healer, helping countless valley residents in their time of need. He worked long hours, pouring his heart into caring for his patients. One of his greatest sources of pride was the babies he delivered - nearly a thousand through his career.

Phil was a loving father and grandfather. He and his former wife, Carole, raised four children together. He provided encouragement and challenged his kids to excel. He was proud of their accomplishments and talked about them to anyone who would listen. He was a kid at heart, which shone through with his four grandchildren. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of two new grandbabies this fall.

Phil was an adventurer, always exploring something new. He climbed many Fourteeners in Colorado, bringing along his camera to document the beauty he found in the mountains. Phil liked to travel and kept mementos from some of his favorite destinations, including Bali and Nepal. For years, he was an avid runner, completing numerous 5Ks and 10Ks as well as two marathons. Phil was also a passionate reader and intellectual, and his home contained many highlighted dog-eared books that he spent years studying. He loved a good discussion on almost any topic. Phil stayed true to his farming roots and enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables in his garden.

Through the years, Phil developed several debilitating health conditions which sadly led him to retire early from the medical practice he loved. When he would run into former patients around town, he always appreciated the hugs and memories that they would share with him. Although his children tried several times to convince him to move closer to them, Phil was stubborn. He felt a deep connection to the San Luis Valley, and he could never bring himself to leave.

Phil is survived by his mother, Evelyn Bogner, children Kristin (husband Ben, children Andrew, Kaitlyn, Jayden) Donahue, son Joseph (wife Stacie, daughter Charlie) Bogner, and daughter Mikaela (husband Andre) Wilson, sisters Lucile Heller and Vivian Weber, brothers Tim Bogner and Rick Bogner, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Theo Bogner and beloved son, Kelly Bogner.

A celebration of Phil’s life is planned for 2 pm on Saturday, October 14 at the Windsor Hotel in Del Norte. Those who cared about Phil are invited to come and share their memories of him.

Cremation was chosen and entrusted to Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista.  If you would like to leave an online comment or tribute for the family please visit Phil’s obituary at www.RogersFunerals.com