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This past Easter, with all the Fogel kids home for the holiday, we sent one of our talented photographers, Lexi Fogle, to capture their family portraits at the ever-charming Tanglefoot Park. It was a windy afternoon, but Lexi’s artistry turned blustery moments into beautiful memories. To see more of her stunning work, check out her Instagram: @lexifoglephotography.

A Lifelong Connection to Spring Lake
Though their story begins at Purdue University, where Jason and Bridget met as college sophomores, thanks to a sorority-fraternity football pairing, their lives eventually led them to raise their four children right here in Spring Lake. “We started dating in 1992 and have been together ever since,” Bridget shares. “We got married in June 1998, and Jason moved to Milwaukee with me before we eventually made our way to Spring Lake.”
Jason, a Spring Lake native, is now a high school counselor at Allendale High School and the advisor for the school's Rotary Interact Club. His leadership extends far beyond local hallways. He also organizes and leads annual humanitarian trips to El Salvador, where students build homes for families in need. Bridget, a Lafayette, Indiana native, currently serves as the Administrative Assistant at Spring Lake Intermediate School and is also the secretary for the SL Boosters.

 “One of the qualities I really admire in Bridget is her ability to build meaningful relationships,” Jason says. “She has a warmth and sincerity that makes people feel truly seen.”
Bridget mirrors the sentiment: “What I admire most about Jason is his calm presence. He brings a steady, reassuring energy into any situation. When things feel overwhelming, he always helps us see the bigger picture.”

A Family of Achievers and Empaths
The Fogel children, Drew (25), Marley (22), Alyssa (19), and Calleigh (16), are a reflection of their parents' values: hardworking, kind, and deeply engaged with the world around them.
Drew, an Albion College grad with a degree in Accounting, was a four-year member of the swim and diving team and now works as a Senior Due Diligence Analyst in Royal Oak. Marley, set to graduate from Central Michigan University this May with a degree in Elementary Education, just completed her student teaching with her own second-grade teacher, Brenda Ball, making it a full-circle moment that touched the whole family.

Alyssa, a freshman at Central Michigan majoring in Accounting, is a proud member of the club lacrosse team and Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Fraternity. Calleigh, a sophomore at Spring Lake High School, balances academics with athletics, student council, and the Osteoscholars program. She is already showing interest in the medical field.

“There are so many things we admire about our children,” Jason and Bridget reflect. “They’re kind, creative, courageous. Hearing from others that our kids are respectful and helpful. It means more than any award or accolade.”

Faith, Fun, and Furry Friends
The Fogel household is made complete by their two dogs. Maverick, an 8-year-old German Shorthair Pointer, and Goose, a 4-year-old Brittany, clearly named with a wink toward a certain classic 80’s film.

The family is also deeply involved in their faith community at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Bridget serves as an Eucharistic Minister, while the kids have served as altar servers over the years. Jason is active in the Knights of Columbus, reflecting the family’s deep commitment to service and spirituality.

Fogel Family Fun
Every June, the extended Fogel clan gathers for their annual “FFF”, Fogel Family Fun, a weeklong celebration of togetherness that now includes 27 members and counting. “It’s something we all look forward to every year,” Bridget says. “It’s filled with camping, boating, breweries, and lots of laughs.”
Their favorite place to be? Right here in West Michigan. “We love this community. It’s such a beautiful place to enjoy all four seasons, surrounded by people we love.”

A Legacy of Love and Service
Having lived in Spring Lake for over two decades, the Fogels are woven into the very fabric of the community. With deep roots, busy schedules, and open hearts, they represent all that is good about family, commitment, and connection.
“We genuinely enjoy being around our kids,” Bridget smiles. “They’re thoughtful, funny, and kind-hearted. Watching them grow into the people they’re becoming, it’s the greatest joy of our lives!”