Herbert Apel's Obituary
Herbert E. Apel, 87, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
He was born August 14th, 1936, in Chicago, to Martin and Anna (Halper) Apel.
On June 13, 1964, he married Lorelei (Chiarelott) Apel in Broadview, Illinois, who preceded him to her rest in August of 2022.
He was also preceded by his sister Eileen (Apel) Braunshausen, and brothers Roy Apel and Martin (Jr.) Apel.
He is survived by two children, Andrew (Stacey) Apel of Decatur, Illinois, and Kristina (Ryan) Adams of Goshen, Indiana; he is survived by three grandchildren, Mackenzie, Carter, and Adam.
After WWII, Mr. Apel was profoundly affected by seeing images of the destruction of Austria and Germany. His mentors, the Hofers, who read the Bible to him, leading him to Christ, expressed that a contributing factor that led to the war was spiritual poverty, so he resolved at a young age to become a missionary to Austria and Germany. Growing up he spent many happy summer camp days at Camp Epworth (Northern Illinois Wesleyan Camp).
Herb attended Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan University, and graduated from Houghton College (now Houghton University, New York) with a Bachelor of Science degree in German Language and Culture. He worked for ElectroMotors, the train division of GM before and during college. He subsequently attended Wheaton College Graduate School (Illinois), and earned a Master of Arts degree in Theology. He was ordained by the Wesleyan Church and was one of the founding members of Dekalb Wesleyan Church (Illinois), serving as the Associate Pastor until his departure to the mission field in Vienna, Austria.
In Austria, Herbert and Lorelei worked with Cambodian refugees who had fled the Khmer Rouge. They worked as missionaries, as Church, planters, and as area supervisors for The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) in Austria, Turkey, Germany, and England, for 30 years.
Herb will always be remembered for his laughter, his antics, his "Dad jokes," his love of song, his booming voice and his hospitality. He was also known for his undying love for his wife, Lorelei, whom he dearly missed these last two years.
He loved, and is loved and missed by his family and friends, who fondly recall times with him as their father, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.
He was "Crazy Uncle Herb" to his nephews and nieces and "Leadfoot Herbie" to the missionaries of TEAM in Vienna, Austria. He was a loyal friend to the many people who know and love him. He will be dearly remembered and missed.
The service is planned, and is scheduled to take place in Decatur, Illinois at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, on August 3rd, 2024 at 11am, meal to follow at 12pm. All are welcome to attend. RSVP to [email protected]
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