JOHN EGAN APPELL WARREN - John Egan Appell, of Warren, Illinois, passed away on September 28, 2013, at the University of Wisconsin Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born on July 23, 1927, in Gratiot, Wisconsin, the son of Leo John and Clara Agnes Appell. He was the eighth of eleven children. He sadly lost his Mother at the young age of seven, then moved to a nearby farm to live with his Uncle Purcell and Aunt Nellie Egan. At age eighteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy along with his older brothers Edward, U.S. Army in Burma, and Robert, U.S. Army Air Corp in Europe. All served with honor during World War II; Jack was stationed with the Pacific Fleet's "Operation Crossroads" at Bikini Atoll for the nuclear tests, "Able and Baker." Jack often said he was proud to have served and was grateful for their safe return home. On August 13, 1949, Jack married Natalie Frances Fouchard. In Warren, Illinois, they embarked on a successful life of family and business. Together they owned and operated the Warren Redi Mix and various farms while raising five children. Many summers were spent on Lake Waubesa, outside of Madison, Wisconsin. Jack taught the children to water ski at a young age while enduring hours and hours of tangled ski ropes and "who's next?" He had a charmed fascination with boats, cars and trucks. As the family grew, so did the boats!! Many happy sunsets were shared with family and friends on Lake Waubesa. Natalie passed away on March 3, 1988. In 1989, Jack was blessed again with his marriage to Clare Everson Bragg. Together they traveled in their remarkable RV to all four corners of the country, then settled for quiet summers in Warren, Illinois, and "snowbird" winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. Jack was a devoted Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan. A patient man, yes. To further demonstrate his tolerance and patience, he became an accomplished golfer. Golf stores in Bonita and Naples knew him well. A better club will seize the day! To his great joy, he did accomplish the feat of two holes-in-one. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Clare Appell, of Warren, Illinois; children, Connie (Mike) Sullivan of Naples, Florida, Tom (Joy) Appell of Neenah, Wisconsin, Mark (Christina) Appell of Chicago, Illinois, Jim (Nancy) Appell of Loves Park, Illinois, Kirk (Becky) Appell of Maineville, Ohio; stepchil-dren, Joan (Bob) Johnson of Barneveld, Wisconsin, Chuck (Claudia) Bragg of Eagan, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Erin (Brian) Blomquist; Amanda, Megan, Franchesca, Jack, Sydnie, Kamryn and Katelyn Appell; two step-grandchildren, Logan and Kiley Johnson; great-granddaughter, Emma Blomquist; sister, Phyllis (Appell) Farrell of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; stepsisters, Pat Wagner of Warren, Illinois, and Maureen Munger of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; along with many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Clara; his wife, Natalie; brothers, James, Edward, Robert, Roger and Jerry; sisters, Dolores, Jeannette, Rita and Meribeth and step brother, John Sauer. The family expresses gratitude to the caregivers of the UW Medical Center who gave comfort and dignity in Jack's final days of life. Also, sincere thanks to the many friends in and around Warren, Illi-nois, and Bonita Springs, Florida, who enriched his life. Jack said a number of times, "I've lived a good life." He also recently remarked that he was most proud that all of his children attended college. Jack was a man who lived by his word and a handshake. Salt of the earth! The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 5, at the Warren Community Center from. A private family service will be held earlier that day. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Jack's memory to the Warren Fire Department or the Warren Public Library. Memorials may be mailed to the Leamon Funeral Home P.O. Box 226 Lena, IL 61048. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com. "Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering." We will forever re-member our Dad, Jack Appell.