Kenneth Charles Apel

Kenneth Charles Apel of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away June 27, 2024 at the age of 91. Ken was born on August 27th, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to Norman and Zeffie Apel. For 48 years, he was involved with the fire department. He was fire chief at the Electro-Motive division of GM for 20 years, president of the fire district of Orland Park, Illinois, for 17 years, and was fire chief in Henderson, Arkansas, for 10 years. Ken served as one of the founders of Baxter County’s fire chief association. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Ken married Eva Neumann on October 6, 1973 in Orland Park, Illinois, and they lived in Mountain Home together since 1987. He was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, and when he had extra time, Ken enjoyed fishing.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Barbara and Peggy; his wife, Eva; and his daughter, Beverly. He is survived by his son, Paul (Pam) Apel; grandchildren, Christina, Casey, and Jillian; and great-granddaughter, Annabelle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or to Hospice of the Ozarks.

A memorial service for Ken will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Ken will rest with his wife for eternity at Fairmont-Willow Springs Memorial Park in Willow Springs, Illinois. Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guest book at www.kirbyandfamily.com.