| Notes |
- Geraldine Appel, nee Short, 89, of Belleville, Ill., born Sept. 9, 1921, in Willisville, Ill., passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, in Edwardsville, Ill.
Geraldine graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1939. In 1942 she began her career with MAC, 375th Aeromedical Airlift, Supply Squadron, Management and Procedures Branch at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. She took some years off to raise her son and retired in 1980, having more than 20 years in civil service.
Mrs. Appel was an active member of Christ United Church of Christ in Belleville, Ill., for more than 50 years. She was the perfect homemaker, wife, and mother, always putting her family first. Geraldine was known for her ability to organize, and she was a stickler on the details. She enjoyed researching the family genealogy. She also enjoyed reading about the history and studies of other cultures. She had an appreciation for homemade crafts, including Christmas ornaments, and she made the holidays extra special with her decorating. In the summer, she enjoyed vegetable gardening, canning, and nurturing every flower and plant in her yard. She cared for and visited many ill family members and friends. Geraldine was very patriotic and gave generously to U.S. veteran causes. She was generous in giving to anyone in need. In her later years she enjoyed meeting with her high school mates, "The '39's."
Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Paul B. Appel, whom she married in 1942, and who died on June 12, 1997; her father, Harold Short, who died in 1921, when Geraldine was an infant; her mother, Maude, nee Russell, Short Look, who died in 1984; her step-father, Stuart W. Look, who died in 1995; her older sister, Norma Jean, who died in early childhood in 1925; and her brother-in-law, Dean Lihs, who died in 2000.
Surviving are her son, Steven H. (Linda) Appel; a grandson, Jeremy D. Appel; two sisters, Mary Jeanette (Marlin) Simmons and Barbara June Lihs; a niece, Pam (Roger) Grebe; and a great-nephew, Ben.
Geraldine was very fond of her husband's family, both living and deceased, especially his sisters, Agnes (Gene) LeChein and Betty (Paul) Fries, and brother, Arthur "Bub" (Arlene) Appel, and the many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and the staff at University Care in Edwardsville, Ill. And special thanks to Dr. Arthur Tinge at Christ United Church of Christ in Belleville, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ United Church of Christ, 26 North 14th St., Belleville, Ill., 62220, or to the Salvation Army. Mass intentions are also appreciated. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill., with the Rev. Dr. Arthur Tinge officiating. Private family burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.
GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.
|
1921 - 2011 (89 years)