Ralph F. Appel, 88, of East Moline, formerly of Milan, passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Hope Creek Care Center, East Moline. Graveside services with military honors will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2021, at Ladies Union Cemetery, Stockton, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the cemetery. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan.

Ralph was born on December 20, 1932, in Stockton, Illinois, a son of William and Myrtle (Williams) Appel. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and married Phyllis Schreck on July 5, 1953. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2016. Ralph worked in maintenance at several places before retiring from the Rock Island Arsenal. He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Milan and the Milan American Legion Post #569. Ralph was an avid gardener.

Surviving are his children, Janet Matter, Rock Island, Patsy Holland, Stockton, Illinois, William "Bill" (Mary) Appel, Silvis, and Roger (Wendy) Appel, Ottumwa, Iowa; 7 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and sister, Wilma Jean Schubert.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; parents; sons-in-law, Wesley Matter and Steve Evans; and siblings, Julene Knouse and William Appel Jr.