Peter Theodore Appel

       Peter Theodore Appel, age 97 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 16, 1924 in Chicago, IL, to Peter Theodore and Anna Marie (DeWitt) Appel, both of whom preceded him in death. 

       On May 24, 1947 he married the love of his life, Margaret Lorraine (Johnson) Appel, who survives in Valparaiso, IN. He is also survived by his loving children: Peter (Pat) Appel of Valparaiso, IN, David Appel of Westville, IN, Susan (Paul) Ruff of Chesterton, IN, Thomas (Paula) Appel of Chesterton, IN, Karen (late Terry) Tucker of Indianapolis, IN, and Lisa (Jim) Iddins of Indianapolis, IN; twenty-three grandchildren; and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. 

       He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Gretchen Appel Blakeslee, his four brothers, and by his sister. 

       Peter proudly served in the Army Air Corp. in World War II, flying personnel and supplies over “the Hump” from China to Burma in the last year of the War. After serving in the United States Military, he began his private law practice in Chicago, and later in Lansing Illinois. He was member of the Indiana Bar Association and Illinois Bar Association. 

       He was active in scouting when his boys were young and was subsequently inducted into the Order of the Arrow. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader. Peter loved classical music, and both he and his wife Margaret attended many operas at the Lyric. Peter and his family traveled extensively in the US, visiting many national parks, and later made several trips to Europe. He also enjoyed organic gardening in his free time. He was a faithful member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Peter was also a member of the American Legion. 

       A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N Calumet Road, Chesterton, IN, with Father Jon Plavcan officiating.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of service at the church.  Masks are mandatory inside the church.  Burial will follow at Saint Patrick Cemetery. A private luncheon for immediate family only, will follow the graveside service.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN.  Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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