Albrecht "Al" Bickel Cogswell

Albrecht B. Cogswell

July 31, 1931 – September 5, 2026

Albrecht B. Cogswell, age 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday September 5, 2026. Al was born in Stuttgart, Germany on July 31, 1931, to Anton & Adelheid (Braig) Bickel. Al grew up as a child under the Hitler regime, and the story of his life should have been made into a movie. Al learned to run to the bomb shelters for safety at a very young age, and after Hitler moved all the children of big cities from their parents to live with families in the countryside just to have future fodder for his (Hitler’s) war, Al learned – since he was a stranger in a house of many strangers – how to accept what was given to him as far as food and other necessities. From that point on, he knew what a dictator looked like, sounded like, and knew the lies fascists & would-be fascists would tell before anyone else did. Post-war 1948, Al had the opportunity to work on refurbishing an Army Jeep. In the automotive stall next door, Al witnessed Dr. Ferdinand Porsche working on some “wild” prototype of a car. Turns out it was the first prototype of the Porsche known as the Porsche 356/1 or Porsche “No. 1”. You can see photos of Al and his best friend Helmut standing next to this original Porsche 356/1 in Al’s obituary photo section below. Al immigrated to the US in 1951 after adoption by a US military officer, Julius G. Cogswell.

Al joined the US Air Force in 1951 and served on Okinawa and Japan as a radio operator on a B-17. Al was naturalized as a US citizen while serving in the military during armed conflict. Al was discharged from the Air Force in 1955 and immediately continued his education under the GI Bill. Electing an accelerated program at Tri-State College, Al received his BS in Mechanical Engineering in August 1959 and his BS in Administrative Engineering in December 1959. In other words, two engineering degrees in three years.

Upon graduation, Al joined XCELLO Corporation, a manufacturer of high precision machine tools, in their export sales division. His German background led to his later move to General Motors Corporation, which was commissioned by the US Government to join Germany in the development of a new and revolutionary Main Battle Tank. After spending two years in Augsburg, Germany working with his German counterparts, he returned to the US and joined Pontiac Motor Division to develop a PERT Cost program as used for the Main Battle Tank. This move led to the introduction of Quality Control guru Dr. W. Edwards Deming to General Motors and later also led him to the love of his life, Susan, who was also with General Motors. Al and Susan were married on 5-6-78, a date which Al always said assured a wedding anniversary would never be forgotten – and he never did.

Al and Susan retired to Old Mission Peninsula in 1990 and started actively serving their community immediately. Volunteer activities included: the Traverse Symphony Orchestra Associates, Traverse City Film Festival, Child & Family Services and the Old Mission Women’s Club. Al and Susan were instrumental when the Old Mission Women’s Club held a fundraiser in July 1993 to save the 1856 Hessler Log Cabin on Old Mission Peninsula from destruction. On the day of the physical move of the Log Cabin from its original site, which is now the Underwood Farms development, Susan drove the van, while Al sat on the tailgate videotaping for future historical purposes the move of the 1856 Log Cabin up Center Road for its final placement at the Old Mission State Park where it resides to this day. In addition to the many volunteer activities, Al, with Susan by his side, enjoyed their three-week boating trips aboard “Lady C” to the Canadian North Channel as well as many wonderful trips domestically and abroad. But what he enjoyed most of all was listening to Susan practice/play the piano at home for an upcoming concert for which she was preparing. Al was indeed Susan’s best audience member and cheerleader. Al was a longstanding member of the Traverse City Economic Club, a member of the Traverse City Country Club and an ardent supporter of the Traverse City Philharmonic.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Susan Cogswell; son Harry Cogswell, and daughter Heidi (Rob Shapiro) Cogswell. Grandchildren Michael Cogswell and Chaina Cogswell. Great-grandchildren Peytan and Paisleah. Also surviving are Sister-in-laws: Gloria Osbeck and Joyce Osbeck; Niece Faith (Chuck) Swanson and many loving and thoughtful nephews. This list also includes Ellie, Al’s best “fur”ever friend, who misses him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his biological parents Anton & Adelheid Bickel and his beloved adoptive father Julius Cogswell. He was also preceded in death by his best friend of 76 years, Helmut Hiller of Stuttgart, Germany.

Susan would like to thank Hospice of Michigan and Dr. Mark Zook for their gracious and attentive end-of-life care for Al. Susan would also like to thank the Orchard Creek Supportive Care staff and management for their outstanding professionalism, their quality medical attention to Al and their careful, sincere & loving care of Al every minute of every day.

Per Al’s wishes, there will be no service. He promised to come back and haunt everyone if one were to be held. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to: The Traverse City Philharmonic 1724 S. Garfield Avenue TC 49686.

Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.