Patrick "Pat" David Apel

Patrick David "Pat" Apel, 65, of Dubuque, died Saturday, June 13, 2015, at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where friends may call after 4:00 p.m. until time of services. A flag presentation by the Tri-State Vietnam Veterans also will take place.

Pat was born on May 9, 1950, in Dubuque, the son of Robert and Florence (Gotto) Apel. He married Jo Dean Stowers on July 21, 1977, at Saint Mary's Church. They later divorced. He served in the United States Army in Germany during the Vietnam War.

He worked for John Deere in Dubuque for 30 years, retiring in 2002, and was a member of the UAW Local #94.

Pat was a simple man who lived by his daily schedule. He loved knowledge and was always working to learn more and keep his mind challenged. He enjoyed his daily routine of reading the paper, doing crossword puzzles, along with his cup of tea.

He also enjoyed his garden, Iowa Hawkeye basketball, reading Syfi books and watching the History Channel. His grandchildren were most precious to him and brought him so many smiles and unconditional love.

He is survived by his three children, Venita (fiancee Chris Oelkers) Madinger, of Waterloo, David (Kristin) Apel, of Dubuque, and Sarah (Dave) Thompson, of Cedar Falls; seven grandchildren, Allyce, Angeliece, Lane, Genevieve, Grant, Isabelle and Alyssa; his sister Theresa (Bill Loftus) Apel, and two brothers Tom (Ying) Apel, of Austin, TX, and Gerald Apel, of Dubuque, his aunt Isabelle Davis, of Dubuque, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Source: TH Online Media - June 15, 2015