H. Clinton Apel

There is no power in the universe equal to or more powerful than Gods love. Devoted to the Lord, Clinton Apel showed his faithfulness through his love of family and his strong work ethic. . Born on March 21, 1918, to Henry and Elsie (Trefry) Apel, Sr., H. Clinton Apel, Jr. entered the world during a tumultuous time. The world was still deep in the throes of World War I and an end seemed distant. However, for the Apel family, life was somewhat simpler. The Apels based their life around family values, hard work and love. Clinton was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, along with his younger brother, Robert. His father earned a living as a hospital supervisor, while his mother was a loving homemaker. With extended family living nearby, Clinton always had cousins to play with, especially his cousin, Everett Koop, who was close to his age. The family was active in their local church, where Clintons father conducted the choir and frequent ministerial plays. To get away from big city life, the family spent many summers at a cottage along the north shore of Long Island. However, when the harsh economic times of the Great Depression hit, money was hard to come by, and Clinton and his brother often walked the train tracks to find coal so they could heat their home. Sadly, they eventually lost their home in the Depression. Despite the looming economic problems, Clinton was able to stay in school, and after graduating from Erasmus Hall High in 1935, he found work as a teller at a local bank. Clinton was in his early 20s when he met the love of his life, Jessie Hart, at a youth group gathering. At the time, Jessie had her sights set on another guy, but Clinton wasnt about to give up that easily. With much persistence, he eventually won Jessies heart and love and they were happily married on April 25, 1942. However, shortly after saying I do, Clinton received his draft notice from the U.S. Army and was shipped overseas to England. He was stationed here for 4 years, proudly serving in the Post Office Division. During this time, Clinton and Jessie penned many love letters to each other. Jessie also got a job making teeth to keep her mind off of her love far away. Upon his honorable discharge, Clinton returned home to his bride and they lived with her parents for a while, so they could save money to buy a home of their own. Meanwhile, the young couple enjoyed time together, visiting Coney Island, going dancing and socializing with Jessies sister, Agnes, and her husband. After the war, Clinton went back to working in the banking industry, and eventually became a well-respected Savings & Loan President in New York. After some time, he and Jessie bought their first home on Long Island away from the hustle and bustle of the city, despite the long commute for Clinton. It was here the couple would raise their two children: Craig born in 1948, and Liz in 1951. Clinton and Jessie were loving and devoted parents, who supported their children in their every endeavor. As a family, they loved to go picnicking in the park or spend the day at the beach. They spent many summers enjoying the ocean on Fire Island and Jones Beach. Clinton was a bit of a fisherman and bought a small fishing boat, which he named Liz after his daughter. After a while, he tried to sell the boat, but there were no takers, so he chopped it up for firewood. When their son, Craig, was 5, Clinton and Jessie had a life altering moment that changed them forever. Because of a misdiagnosis, Craig suffered a ruptured appendix and nearly died. In this difficult time, the couple turned to their Bible Study group for support and prayers, which ultimately led to their faith in Christ as Savior. From this moment on, church and their faith became the main focus for Clinton, Jessie and their family. Clinton became involved with the New York Bible Society and Gideons International, and later served on the Board of Grace Ministries International. Clintons strong, devout faith became a hallmark of his life. Clinton and Jessie shared many delights in their 64-years of marriage. As a couple, they loved to entertain friends and businessmen from Clintons work at the bank. They also enjoyed traveling whenever possible, and had been to Scotland, New Zealand and Hawaii. At home, Clinton was a bit of a pickle connoisseur and had made many pecks of his own over the years. But pickles werent his only favorite food, he also liked pastrami on rye, seafood and most importantly, ice cream. As Clinton and Jessie grew older, they were blessed with 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. They poured the same amount of love into these relationships as they did with their own children. In the mid 1990s, Clinton and Jessie moved from their longtime home in New York to Michigan, to live near their son, Craig, and his family. Craig is a minister in the Berean Church of Muskegon, where Clinton and Jessie became active members. In 2004, Clinton was diagnosed with Alzheimers and he and Jessie went to live with Craig and his wife, Pat. Sadly, Clinton lost his beloved wife, Jessie, 2 years later on May 27, 2006. Clinton will be missed by all who knew and loved him. H. Clinton Apel, Jr., age 91, died on Thursday, October 22, 2009. He is survived by his son, Pastor Craig (Pat) Apel of Spring Lake; daughter, Liz (Pastor John) Eklund of Pomfret Center, CT; grandchildren: Tricia (David) Whittaker of Spring Lake, Rebecca Zuber of Jenison, Nathan (Vicki) Apel of Jenison, Jessica (Ben) Hall of Putnam, CT, Bethany Eklund of Pomfret Center, CT, Kirk (Lacey) Eklund of Grand Rapids, Charis (Jordan) Cooper of Grand Rapids, Makenzie Eklund of Pomfret Center, CT; and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie, and brother, Robert. Services for Clinton will be held on Sunday, November 1, at 2:00 p.m. at the Berean Church with Pastor Craig Apel & Pastor John Eklund officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berean Church Building Fund. Please visit Clintons personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book. Arrangements by Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon.