Norman Joseph Apel, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at home with his wife, Mary and family by his side. He was born Feb. 27, 1929, on the family farm north of Ellinwood to Mathias and Barbara (Heyne) Apel.
He graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1947, and married F. Marilyn Eves on Nov. 28, 1950. He and Marilyn had five children and divorced in 1978. Norman worked on the family farm and in the oilfield including, Globe Oil Well Cementing and Allied Cementing out of Great Bend. He then married Gladys Price on Aug. 9, 1980, and she passed in March 2015.
He was an active volunteer member of the Assembly of God (now Encounter) Church for many years, driving the Sunday school bus and many other activities. He continued farming while working for Harv’s furniture, Mid Continent LP Service and was a part time driver for Marmie Motors.
He then later married Mary Arlene Bieberle on June 25, 2017. They enjoyed traveling, church activities, watching Westerns and old cartoons, and spending time together.
Survivors include: his wife Mary of the home; his children, Briana Ernst (Larry) of Great Bend, Gerilyn Hoard of Salina, Amy Astrab (Robert) of Hollister, Mo., and David Apel of Salina, Michael Price (Loretta) of Wichita, Bobby Price (Ina) of Cushing, Okla., Eddie Price (Karen) and Terry Price (Shelly) all of Great Bend, and Sherry Cox (Shawn) of Derby; one sister, Mary Jean Miller (Dick) of Great Bend; 27 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife, Gladys; one son, Gary Duane Apel; son-in-law, Mark Hoard; a brother, Harry Apel; two sisters, Sally Sigley and Theresa Wornkey; a granddaughter, Tamara (Apel) Green; a grandson, Jason Hoard; and two great-grandsons, Chance Streit and Carlin Hill, Jr.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 27, 2023 at Encounter Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Dwight Dozer presiding. Interment will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Memorials have been designated to Encounter Church, Salvation Army and Gentiva Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 24, 2023
