In Loving Memory

Michael Wayne Appel

5/15/1951 — 3/10/2024

Gilbert-Memorial-Park

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Michael Wayne Appel, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on the evening of March 10, 2024, at the age of 72. He was born on May 15, 1951, in Volga, South Dakota, to his birth parents Johnny and Virginia (Thompson) Appel. Following a tragic car accident in 1955 that took the lives of both his parents, Michael was raised with love and care as if their own son, by his Uncle Leon Appel and Veva (Crooks) Appel.

Michael is survived by the love of his life & devoted wife of 51 years, Diana (Beeman) Appel, his loving son Clint Appel & his wife Kate, his cherished daughter Nichole (Appel) Cole and her husband Matthew, and his adored grandchildren Katie Mae, Ryan, and Chance. He is also survived by his siblings Gene Appel, Gail (Appel) Guzzardo, and Glenda (Appel) Allison, and his birth siblings Muriel (Appel) Long and Marilyn (Appel) Budahl.

Preceding Michael in death are his birth siblings Milton “Butch”, Melvin, and Maynard, as well as Gregg Appel and Gloria (Appel) Fry.

Things he loved most in this life were the Lord & his earthly family, making memories at their treasured property on Long Lake, Minnesota, & making others laugh.

He was a master carpenter with a proud career as owner of Appel Construction. He loved to teach & mentor others on all things; he accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms, and a perpetual smile. In his younger years he adored owning & loving on his horses, his time with Logan County Mounted Police in Lincoln, Illinois, and the thrill of boating, skiing & fishing.

Michael will be remembered for his “larger than life” personality, his booming laugh, his kindness, incredible generosity, and unwavering love for his family.

He certainly touched the lives of all who knew him with his warm heart and gentle spirit. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held in July at the family cabin in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Details to be announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eastside Christian Church in Park Rapids, MN ( https://eastside.com/give/ or by mail at P.O. Box 566, Park Rapids, MN 56470), and the sharing of your happy memories about this incredible man on this memorial website.

Messages of Love

From family and friends

John & Niki Nolan

John & I are so sorry to hear about this. Our prayers for comfort are with you & your family.

Adele Foles

Di: We were very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. Our prayers and sympathy are with you and your family. We remember the friendship and love you and Mike gave us after our losses. This meant more than you will ever know. Wish we could be with you in your time of need. Remember, Mike is always at your side. Once we love someone, their memory and love remains with us always. We think of you often and have missed you both. Take care of yourself. Suzanne and Adele

Linda Mazur

Diana and family I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing my heart hurts for you. He helped make my high school years some of the best years of my life. He was such a special friend.

Russ Mehnert

Clint, I deeply sorry for your loss and will help, if needed. My condolences. Russ Mehnert

Rick & Jackie Hemmer

Diana, we are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a great Cabin neighbor always willing to help anyone out. We will miss his presence at the boat launch, you were such a great team, putting those boats in and taking them out again. We are praying for you and for your family as I know you are missing your mike. God bless you and keep you ! We’ll see you this summer.

Shelley Cole

My heart goes out to all of Mike’s family at this sad time. I hope the many wonderful memories you all have will bring you some measure of comfort and peace in the days ahead. Sending love, Shelley

David Hastings and Marrillia Family

Clint, We are saddened to hear this news and wish to extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With Love, Your Marrillia family

Deb and Paul Short

Clint and Kate, We are saddened to hear about Mike. It is never easy to lose a parent. We had Mike and his crew work for us on many projects through the years. We send hugs to your Mom and you and Kate

Gene Hickey

So sorry for your loss he was a great friend

Teri Zastrow Rich

Happy memories of PKs in crime and never getting caught except that time he “borrowed” the family car during Sunday night church to drive to Clinton and get back before church was over. He didnt make it. Thank you to Mike and Diana for loving our kids as theirs during the Good News years. Love you all.

Teri Zastrow Rich

Mike loved deeply and laughted loudly – sharing moments of each. Memories of sharing time as PKs in crime at the NACC and never getting caught and the night he “borrowed” the famoly car after Sunday night church started in Lincoln and tried to make it to Clinton to ser me and get back before church was over

Kenyon Ackeberg

Diana, just now learning of Mike’s pass. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children! Much love to you always.

Barbara Armstrong

I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Praying for comfort and peace for you. May God hold you tight.

Helen Griess

My heart aches for you and your family Diana, know that you are in my prayers.

Freddie & Michele Tedrick

We are so sorry to hear this.

Brad and Betty Jo Lessen

Diana, Nicole, Clint and families, Our hearts go out to you all and prayers for peace and comfort. He truly was larger than life and will be missed by all who knew him. Brad and Betty Jo-your fellow Chippewa Loopers

Haas Family

Mike was a gem. Always so kind and loving. My boys and I always looked forward to our time together with him. We are sending our prayers and love.

Kenny & Nancy Sherren

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Diana and all the Appel family. knowing Mike for many years we have great memories that we will always cherish. Love the times spent horseback riding, snowmobiling and being at the cabin. He will be sorely missed. Heaven gained a great man.

Lisa Ramlow

My deepest sympathy to some of the best people I have ever met! Mike worked on our house when we built it, he hired Gary when Myers Industries was on strike, and he was a friend in good and bad times! May you all find peace and comfort knowing that others care! Love you all, Lisa Ramlow

Dale and Von Olmscheid

We were blessed to meet and get to know Mike many years ago. He loved practical jokes and always kept you guessing whether he was serious! That wonderful zest for life is only one of the many things we’ll miss. Our deepest sympathy to Di, Clint, Nichole and the entire family.

Cathy Marshall

So sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. I have SO many fond memories of Mike growing up..what a great guy!!!

Lou and Tom Dalton

We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved father, Nicole!! Sending hugs and much love!

Ginnie

Mike you will missed greatly. May God Bless and keep Di and family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

marilyn lowery (Eagles)

My heart goes out to Diana and the whole family. Love you.

Dee & Rick Shively

Our thoughts and prayers to Diana and family. Although we only meet Mike last year, he has left a lasting impression of a ‘good ol’ boy’, and a man of integrity and loving husband. He never complained about his situation.

❦

Provided by

Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery