Wilbur L. Appel's Obituary
Wilbur Leone Appel was born on June 28, 1926 in Volga, South Dakota to John and Alma (Olson) Appel. He died on December 29, 2013 in St. Helens, Oregon. He was 87 years old.
Like many young men of the time, he joined the United States Navy at the age of 17. He was honorably discharged in 1947 as a Pharmacist’s Mate Third. Wilbur was a hard worker. He retired early from Civil Service and then became a truck driver; and was always on hand to do odd jobs for anyone who needed help.
Wilbur married Bonnie Tracy on June 13, 1986 in Winnemuca, Nevada. Early on he was a member of the Elks Lodge and enjoyed hunting in Alaska. Wilbur liked travelling, fishing, and camping. He also did spray painting and carpentry work.
Wilbur is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Scappoose; children: Sandy Peterson and Dave Appel both of St. Helens; and sister, Delores Connely of Anchor Point, Alaska; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Serenity Hospice.
A Military Honors Graveside Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow at the Spring Lake Clubhouse in Scappoose.
Condolences to the family may be made on line at www.columbiafh.com.
Columbia Funeral Home, Directors.
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