Geraldine Apfel

Bellaire a�" Geraldine J. Apfel, 85, passed away at Meadowbrook Medical Care Facility, November 30, 2008, from natural causes.

She was born in Rochester, New York, December 22, 1922, to the late Archie and Francis (Millhime)VanSice.

She married John G. Apfel Jr. from Alba in 1942, and gave birth to a son William (Bill) the day before her husband entered WWII.

Geraldine (Geri), as she was known by her friends, was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She was always active in the community. She was a volunteer every voting day. She supported the local sports programs, and at one time coached the girl's basketball team. She was always ready to drive a car in parades and enjoyed the social life of Bellaire. Geri was an avid bowler and golfer. Her other interests included Tole painting, gardening and playing the organ. Her annual "holiday displays" were always creative and enjoyed by all. Geri loved Winter sports and with her family she skied and rode snowmobiles. She was the consummate "Grandmother" and spent her last forty years devoted to her grandchildren. Her memory will be dearly treasured by each one.

She is survived by her three children: Bill and his wife Claudia Apfel of Vermont; Linda and her husband Robert Dean of Bellaire; and Patricia and her husband Richard Melde of Arizona; three sisters Caroline Barnes of Boyne City; Deloris White of Florida and Ethel Jones of Comstock Park; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Eleven grandchildren: Jeffrey, John and Deborah Apfel (Krupa); Bradley, Michael, and Timothy Dean; Richelle, Kimberly, Cynthia, Nicole, Kirsten Melde and eleven great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband John in April of 2008; both parents: Frances in 1987 and Archie in 1948, brother Edgbert in 1922, brother Harold (Sonny) in 1993, and sister Leola (Lou) Winget in 2002.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date when all her grandchildren can attend. Details will be announced by the family at that time.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Meadow Brook Foundation, 4543 South M-88 Highway, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.