John Apfel

John George Apfel, 86, passed away at Northern Michigan Hospital, April 28, 2008 from natural causes. He was born on the family farm, in Star Township between Alba and Elmira, December 18, 1921, the son of late Hungarian immigrants. John graduated from Alba High School where baseball was one of his passions. He pitched several years with the Bellaire Independents and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He married Geraldine J. VanSice from Bellaire in 1942, and entered WWII a day after his son William (Bill) was born. John was a radio/gunner on a B-24 Liberator, a member of the 15th Air Force which was stationed in Italy. His crew was given credit for the raid on the Anzio beachhead, at which time the German front line troops were bombed. His crew flew 27 missions, being shot down May 10, 1944 on a raid in Southern Austria by flak from anti-aircraft fire. All ten men bailed out, landing safely. John was taken prisoner by Hungarian civilians and sent to Camp Stalag Luft 4A near the Polish border, where he stayed until February 6, 1945. On that day, the Germans evacuated the 9,000 men from that camp and he marched about 800 miles in 66 days. He was recovered by the Americans April 26 at Bitterfeld, Germany, and went from there to Le Havre by train at Gaylord on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17 to his wife and 2 year 6 month old son and parents. His father described his coming home as the best Father's Day he had ever received. He was known throughout Northern Michigan as an outstanding General Contractor. He owned and operated John G. Apfel Construction Co, as well as Chain of Lakes Construction Co for over 50 years. He built the original Shanty Creek Lodge, Lamina Tool and Die, the Bellaire High School, various commercial projects and land developments to numerous to mention. He is survived by his devoted wife and companion of 66 years, Geraldine of Bellaire, their three children: Bill and his wife Claudia Apfel of Vermont; Linda and her husband Robert Dean of Bellaire; and Patricia and her husband Richard Melde of Arizona; Eleven grandchildren: Jeffery, John and Deborah Apfel (Krupa); Bradley, Michael and Timothy Dean; Richelle, Kimberly, Cynthia, Nicole, Kirsten Melde and eleven greatgrandchildren; Betsy Berry and James Apfel of Gaylord were niece and nephew; Larry and Peter Prokop of Bellaire were his cousins. He was predeceased by both parents, John Apfel and Anna (Wirth) Apfel, in 1966, his brother Peter in 1966 and two sisters, Kathryn in 1927 and Mary in 1929. A Memorial graveside service with full military honors will be held Friday, May 30th, at 11:00 am at the Lakeview Cemetery in Bellaire. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Antrim County Commission on Aging, PO Box 614, Bellaire, MI 49615. Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com