Ray Elmer Appel

Ray Elmer Appel, age 74, of Thomson, IL, passed away at Serenity Hospice Home, in Oregon, IL, on February 3, 2025. A funeral service will be held Friday, February 7, at 5 p.m., at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll, IL. Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place Sunday, February 16, at 12 p.m., at Chadwick Cemetery.

Ray was born November 8, 1950, in York Township, IL, to Harry and Grace (Miller) Appel. He attended Thomson schools, graduating from Thomson High School with the class of 1968. From a young age, Ray had a deep love for farming; participating in FFA in school, and going to work full time immediately following graduation. He farmed all of his life, retiring in 2021.

Ray was a member of Livestock Feeders, and the Savanna Airport Board for many years.

On August 4, 1973, Ray married Jan Marie Hartman. They enjoyed a life full of hard work, laughter, and most importantly, family.

Ray is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jan; daughters, Beth Lynn (David) Wilkinson, Nadine Zola Appel, Kay Malynda (Chris Hutson) Appel, and Sheila May (Kurt) Appel Alexander; 10 grandchildren, Daltin Coyer, Natalie (Kyle) Blum, Briana Wilkinson, Dylan Wilkinson, Jacob Alexander, Trevor Alexander, Adam Alexander, Carsin Appel, Lori Hutson, and Wyatt Hutson; great grandchild, Claire Ann Blum; and two brothers, Everett Appel and Leroy Appel. Ray is preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott Lee Appel; brothers, Robert (Donna) Appel and Marvin (Diane) Appel; and other sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Sharon.