William Appel

William C. Appel, age 85, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 7, 2018 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born on March 30, 1933 in Somerset, PA a son of the late William and Dorothy (Wiley) Appel. Bill is survived by his devoted wife and eternal life partner of 63 years, Jean C. Appel. He was a loving and supportive father of three children, Carol (Robert) MacAskill of Toronto, Nancy (Mark Geib) Appel of Portage and James (Cassia) Appel of San Francisco; Grandfather of Michael & Daniel MacAskill, Victoria DeFeyter, Angela Mitchell and Andrius Appel; Great Grandfather of Ellodie & Oakley Roe; and brother of Robert W. Appel of Florida. Bill graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received postgraduate degrees from Indiana University, Bloomington. He joined the faculty at University of Colorado and developed the university's first Opera Performance program. Bill also served as an officer in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Bill pursued further study as an operatic tenor, which led to a distinguished career as a performer with The Turnau Opera Company of New York, The New York City Center Opera and many roles in Austria with The Vienna Volksoper. In the mid-sixties, Bill returned to the United States at Western Michigan University eventfully earning the title Professor of Voice. There, he shared his talent and insight with emerging professionals, helping launch their musical careers. For his dedication to music and opera in the years that followed, Professor Appel received the Outstanding Service Award from WMU College of Fine Arts as well as the Distinguished Faculty Member Award by the Michigan Association of Governing Boards of State Universities. Bill retired from Western Michigan University's School of Music in 2000. As a highly respected supporter of his community, Bill directed and coached several operas with the Kalamazoo symphony in collaboration with Maestro Yoshimi Takada. He was also well known for his passion and commitment to the arts and was awarded The Community Medal of Arts by The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Bill remained a member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than five decades. Family and friends will gather from 6 to 8pm on Friday, July 27th at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, July 28th at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, with Rev. Dr. Seth E. Weeldreyer, officiating. Private inurnment in Mountain Home Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Habitat for Humanity or to WMU's School of Music. Please visit William's personalized webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com