Donald Jerome Appel was born August 29, 1925, near Holt, MN, the son of Peter and Mathilda (Metzler) Appel. He grew up and attended Oak Grove rural school near Thief River Falls and Woodrow Wilson School near Goodridge, MN.

On October 5, 1951, Donald was united in marriage to Neva Langworthy in Thief River Falls. He served in the United States Army, in Germany as an MP, from 1953-1955.

He was employed at Northern Woodwork, Bridgemans and bus driver for St. Hilaire School District. He also worked for the City of St. Hilaire for 22 years, as City Assessor and Dogcatcher and was a volunteer Fire Chief for many years.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, playing solitaire and family. His grandchildren were very special to him.

Donald was a member of St. Bernards Church and served on the St. Hilaire City Council and Inter Tri-County. He was instrumental in starting civic organizations in St. Hilaire and Thief River Falls.

Survived by wife, Neva, St. Hilaire, MN; 3 sons, Steven (Vanessa), Thief River Falls, MN, Mark (Kristi), Barnesville, MN and Ray (Tracy), Bemidji, MN; 3 daughters, LaNea (Darrell) Haugen, Shelvin, MN, Donna (Dennis) Iverson, Austin, MN and Danelle (Roger) Riske, Grand Forks, ND; 14 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Viola Appel, Richfield, ID, Shirley Appell, Grand Forks, ND and Margie Appel, Pendleton, OR; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Preceded by a daughter in infancy; parents; sister, Eloise Srnsky; brothers, James, Leonard, Edward and Raymond.

Please sign the online guestbook (johnsongreenfuneral.net).