Robert Apel

APEL (Grant) - Robert F. Apel, aged 82, of Grant, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2009 at Gerber Memorial Hospital. He served his country during the Korean conflict in the U.S. Navy and then went into the National Guard. He was with the Sparta Police Department for 19 years and served at the Chief for 5 years. He retired from the Michigan National Guard after 32 years. He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin; sons-in-law Ken Benoit, Jack Cloud; grandchildren, Daniel Zoscsak, Jody Cloud, Melanie Apel. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eleanor; children, Charmaine Benoit, Mark Apel, Greg and Mary Apel, Roberta Cole, Eric Apel, Carla and Ken Zergoski, Shawn and Jackie Apel; grandchildren, Lisa, Jeremiah, Christina, Chris and Tammy, Spring and Kevin, Autumn and John, Dustin and Angel, Matt, Chris, Alicia, Erica; great grandchildren, Randel, Melania, Andrew, Alex, Reannon; sister, Doris and Fred DeGraves; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 8, 5 p.m. at the funeral home with Steve Potter officiating. Friends may meet the family at the funeral home Sunday 2 p.m. until the time of service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Grant Public Library. Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta