Our much loved husband and father, Walter W. Appel, died on Thursday, August 10, 2017. He was our intellectual leader and our moral compass. He will be remembered for his love of learning and generosity of spirit. His loss leaves a hole in our hearts, but we know that Walter died with a strong faith in the love of the Lord and God's love for him.
Born in Romeo, Michigan on December 8, 1935, Walter was the eighth and last child of Edmund George and Alvena Wilhelmina Appel. His parents and siblings predeceased him, and he missed them greatly in the last years of his life when he was the sole survivor of his immediate family. After graduating from Romeo High School and Capital University in Columbus, OH, Walter married his high school sweetheart, Diane Trieloff. Walt is survived by Diane, having celebrated their 57th anniversary this past June.
Walt and Diane moved to the Lansing area in 1963 and immediately became members of University Lutheran Church and have been active members of the congregation ever since. Walt brought his family back to Michigan from Ohio for work with the State of Michigan. For most of his time as a civil servant he was a Higher Education Consultant in the Department of Education, finishing up in the Department of Treasury when he retired in 1998. In their retirement before his health began to fail, Walt and Diane enjoyed travel to see family and friends including a 40th wedding anniversary in Disney World with the kids and grandkids, and one of many trips to Europe that included a week in Apt, a small town in France.
In addition to his time as an undergrad, Walt spent a year at what is now Trinity Lutheran Seminary and completed a Master's degree at Wayne State University. He could read Latin, Greek and Hebrew, and often explained to the rest of us the origin of the words around us. He was a lifelong learner and was a member of the Cogito book club for many years. His last book selection for the group this past spring was Silas Marner. He was also a lifelong volunteer, helping students acclimate at Michigan State University in the 1960s, part of the University Lutheran effort to resettle two families of refugees from Viet Nam, helping children learn to read in Lansing elementary schools, and a docent at the Michigan History Museum. Walt was a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Red Wing and Spartan hockey, and he tolerated the Detroit Lions. Someone has to do it.
Walt is also survived by his daughters Laura Appel (Gary Garbarino) and Caren Gawlak (Scott), his granddaughters, Kira and Dana Gawlak, brother-in-law William Trieloff (Kellie), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial service for Walter on Saturday, October 14 at 11am at University Lutheran Church. It is not a game day. The family will receive visitors beginning at 9:30 am. Lunch will follow the service at the church, and it will be good and plentiful as Walter would have wanted. For those wishing to attend, the interment of ashes will take place at the end of the day at Romeo Cemetery in Romeo.
Walter asked that memorials be directed to the Trinity Seminary E.G. Appel Fund, the University Lutheran Church Library, or individual preference. Walter leaves all of us inspired to maintain our commitments, to be grateful for the many gifts we have been given and most of all, to cherish our extended families and gather with each other as often as possible. Online memories and condolences may be made at: www.greastlansing.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
6 Entries
October 12, 2017
Chris Norman
The Trinity Lutheran Seminary faculty, staff, alumni and students join with you in prayers of Christian sympathy for the family and in Thanksgiving for the life of Walter. His was a life dedicated to helping others and his memory remains as a model of Christian service in the tradition of Martin Luther, following his calling and guiding others to do the same. He is missed, but let us all follow his wonderful example.
October 10, 2017
Gavin Witter
I was sorry to hear of Walt's passing. He was a proud member of ULC. My first recollection on hearing the news was that during the last few years Walt typically communed from the pew. As an usher it was our job to make sure this got done. Getting around could be a challenge for Walt, but he frequently made the effort to attend church and we were always happy to help him celebrate the Holy Sacrament. I know he was happy to receive it. God bless you Walt.
August 25, 2017
Sharonlee Burmeister
Walt inspired many of us at ULC with his faith, his intelligent guidance and his gentle good humor. Deepest sympathy to Diane and his family
August 23, 2017
Julie Bubolz Tikalsky
'Mr. Appel' was a touchstone for me my whole life in East Lansing and at University Lutheran. He was a man of morality, goodness, intellect and kindness. My sympathies to Mrs., Laura & Caren.
August 20, 2017
Bill & Joyce Sederburg
Joyce and I are sad to learn of Walt's passing. We remember the Appel family well and have been positively influenced by Walt, his family, and our many mutual friends at University Lutheran.
August 19, 2017
MaryAnn Mueller
Oh my goodness, he looks so much like his father in this photo. It was by chance I found this obituary...I'm MaryAnn Ebeling (Bob and Florence Ebeling were my parents) from St John Lutheran Church in Romeo.Such lovely memories I have of his whole family as I was growing up. I can remember a conversation I had with him about attending Capital. I went there in the 60s. It reads that he had a long, happy and productive life, filled with grace and faith. My condolences to the family. It is always so hard to lose our husband, father, grandfather. I also remember the Trieloff family. Good old days. Good old times. Walter was one of the good ones!
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