GRIEVE NOT THAT HE IS GONE. RATHER, REJOICE THAT HE WAS HERE. It is with great sadness we announce that Frank J. Apel, Jr., 84, has passed away January 8, 2015. Frank Jr., son of Frank Sr. and Kathryn Scanlon, was born in Chicago, December 15, 1930. He attended Loyola Academy and University and joined the United States Air Force in 1950 where he completed a distinguished career as a command pilot. He earned the rank of full Colonel and completed two tours in Vietnam during the 1960's and the 1970's. After achieving numerous military commendations and awards, Frank and his late wife of 53 years, the former Madeleine Geiger, retired to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. His dedication to public safety continued as he worked for Honolulu's Emergency Management Agencies, where he developed and implemented emergency action programs for the citizens of Oahu and the outer islands. In 2011, Frank relocated to his hometown of Chicago where he married his current wife, Rosemary Rapp Apel. Frank lived a life of faith as part of the Catholic Church and was involved with the denomination in each placed he lived, giving freely of his time and resources. His compassionate nature was always evident, as he never denied help to those in need. Frank is survived by his wife, Rosemary, his loving sister, Mary Reyburn, his children, Emily, Frank III, Charlie, Midge, and Katie, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. His family and friends remember his legacy through his motto, "Keep Smiling." His loss will forever be felt. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family requests a donation be made to a charity of their choice in lieu of flowers.
GRIEVE NOT THAT HE IS GONE. RATHER, REJOICE THAT HE WAS HERE. It is with great sadness we announce that Frank J. Apel, Jr., 84, has passed away January 8, 2015. Frank Jr., son of Frank Sr. and Kathryn Scanlon, was born in Chicago, December 15, 1930. He attended Loyola Academy and University and joined the United States Air Force in 1950 where he completed a distinguished career as a command pilot. He earned the rank of full Colonel and completed two tours in Vietnam during the 1960's and the 1970's. After achieving numerous military commendations and awards, Frank and his late wife of 53 years, the former Madeleine Geiger, retired to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. His dedication to public safety continued as he worked for Honolulu's Emergency Management Agencies, where he developed and implemented emergency action programs for the citizens of Oahu and the outer islands. In 2011, Frank relocated to his hometown of Chicago where he married his current wife, Rosemary Rapp Apel. Frank lived a life of faith as part of the Catholic Church and was involved with the denomination in each placed he lived, giving freely of his time and resources. His compassionate nature was always evident, as he never denied help to those in need. Frank is survived by his wife, Rosemary, his loving sister, Mary Reyburn, his children, Emily, Frank III, Charlie, Midge, and Katie, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. His family and friends remember his legacy through his motto, "Keep Smiling." His loss will forever be felt. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family requests a donation be made to a charity of their choice in lieu of flowers.Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
