Gerald R. “Jerry” Apple, age 88, of Jasper, Indiana, passed away at 8:25 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at St. Charles Health Campus in Jasper.
Jerry was born in French Lick, Indiana, on January 1, 1936, to Dow and Agnes (Lorey) Apple. He married Alice Burton on November 29, 1993. She preceded him in death on November 1, 2020.
Jerry was a 1953 graduate from Jasper High School. He then attended St. Joseph College and St. Meinrad College. He then served in the Army Reserves for six years.
He worked at Apple Shell Service Station for 30 years. Throughout his years of beekeeping, he enjoyed teaching many children and adults about the importance of bees and their contribution to Mother Earth. Jerry visited many elementary schools teaching about bees to enthusiastic youngsters. Jerry removed many swarms and hornets’ nests from fearful humans. For the last eight years, Jerry has been working the bees with his very dear friend Dan Schroeder. Jerry believed in sharing knowledge, kindness, and passion for honey bees. Dan is honored to carry on his legacy.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kiwanis, Fraternal Order of Police for 50 years, past president of White River Valley Beekeepers, past president of Wabash Valley Beekeepers, Indiana Illinois and Kentucky State Bee Keepers, past member of J-Men Letterman Club. Jerry and his wife volunteered 25 years at the Indiana and Kentucky State Fairs doing bee keeping demonstrations.
Jerry was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, but above all, he loved his bees.
He is survived by seven children: Lisa (Fred) Knebel, Jasper; Mary (Phil) Beckman, Jasper; Kevin Apple and companion Tammy Carpinetti, Indianapolis; Scott (Susan) Apple, Indianapolis; Michelle (Bill) Kress, Jasper; Linda (Allan) Huebner, Jasper; Staci (Eric) Smith, Holland; three step-children: Robin (Tom) McDonald, Washington; James (Pam) Burton, New Harmony; Sarah (Robert) Timmons, Lafayette, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchildren, and sister, Nancy Larkin, Jasper.
He is preceded in death by stepdaughter, Vanessa Burton and brother-in-law, Ray Larkin.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Gerald R. “Jerry” Apple will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana, with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper. The American Legion Post #147 will perform military graveside rites.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper.
In lieu of flowers (SAVE THE BEES), memorial contributions may be made to St. Meinrad Seminary, Dubois County Museum, Lange Fuhs Cancer Center, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be made to www.becherkluesner.com.
