Matthew Norman Appel, 20, died on Saturday, July 23, 2005 as a result of an automobile accident, near Red Lake Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 29, 2005 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Jerry Eggers officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 28, 2005 at the Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. prayer service and one hour at the church prior to the service on Friday.

Matthew Matt Norman Appel was born on February 28, 1985 in Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Steve and Vanessa (Hanson) Appel. He was baptized on June 9, 1985 at Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire, MN and confirmed on October 29, 1998 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Matt attended school in Thief River Falls, graduating from Lincoln High School on May 23, 2003.

During High School Matt worked at Hugos and Jeff Olson Construction. After graduation he worked at Central Boiler, Northern Pride and he was currently employed at Independent Machine Service in Thief River Falls.

Matt enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, playing cards, especially cribbage. He also enjoyed tubing with his friends. Matts biggest passion was motocross. He loved racing and has several trophies to show for his many years of racing talent, including three Grand Champion trophies.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and past member of Fans Motocross and A.M.A.

Matt is survived by his parents, Steve and Vanessa Appel and his brother, Joe of Thief River Falls, MN; grandmothers, Neva Appel of St. Hilaire, MN and Madonna Gunderson of Warroad, MN; aunts and uncles: Lanea Haugen of Bemidji, MN, Donna (Dennis) Iverson of Austin, MN, Mark (Kristi) Appell of Moorhead, MN, Ray (Tracy) Appel of Bemidji, MN, Danelle (Roger) Riske of Grand Forks, ND, Roger (Linda Crompton) Hanson of Big Lake, MN, Diane (Mike) Jury of Thief River Falls, MN, Barry Hanson of Thief River Falls, MN; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Donald Appel and Norman and Colleen Hanson.

Family condolences may be sent www.johnsonfuneralservice.com