Frances C. Appel, 101, of Burlington, Iowa, died Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born on February 18, 1924, in Cantril, Iowa, she was the daughter of Leslie and Ruth (Thieme) Simmons. On August 24, 1942, she married Harold Appel in Memphis, Missouri. Of that union they had six children. They later divorced.
Frances was a graduate of New London High School. She worked for Automatic Vending and drove the lunch wagon for fifteen years. In her early years she loved to go bowling and take the children every Friday and Saturday night to the bowling alley. Frances enjoyed being a dog owner and taking her dog for walks down to the Mississippi River front or to Crapo Park. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed watching football, basketball and softball. Everyday Frances would complete the crossword puzzle in the Hawk Eye newspaper. Most of all Frances loved nothing more than being with her family.
She is survived by her two daughters: Carol Appel of Burlington and Tammy (John Morlan) Stiles of Ozark, Missouri; four grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren and Cathy Cary who was like a daughter to her. She is also survived by her grand-dog Ellie.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Robert Simmons; four children: Patricia, Cindy, Greg and Michelle Appel and one granddaughter Amanda Waters.
A graveside service will be he held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Burge Cemetery in New London, Iowa with Rev. David Mixon officiating.