Randall G. Apel, 83 of Sheboygan, WI was welcomed home by our Lord and Savior on August 22, 2020 after being embraced in the loving arms of his family and friends at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice where he spent his last week.
All who knew Randy are clear that he had a good life – lived by the principles of loyalty and love of family, God, and Country. His faith in God was his touchstone as he courageously rode the rough seas of the last 3 years. Randy was a tough, yet tender, harmonica playing Navy Veteran turned insurance executive, a classy guy – quite an accomplishment for a regular fellow from Dubuque. What he was most proud of, beyond his sons, “snagging” two wives, and the photography of his Sister Sandi – were the friends, agents and colleagues he had made over the decades at Acuity, and Couri Insurance Associates. He was well respected for his hard work, and willingness to go the extra mile for anyone – his compassionate heart (protected by his sarcastic and conservative rhetoric) was totally committed to the success of others. Before retiring, he was a passionate Volunteer for the We Honor Veterans Program at the Richardson Community Hospice; and, a regular liturgical reader at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church where he was a long-time member. After retirement at age 79, he enjoyed the backyard fine feathered friends, his gardening, and political bantering – along with providing consultation for anyone looking for advice or help (“look under every rock, and around every corner” was his standard response).
Randy married his first wife, Dee (Fischer) when returning from his service in the Navy in 1957. His 4 sons and their wives – Jay, Tim (Debbie), Kevin (Dana), Brian (Helen); along with his 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren have given him much joy! His surviving Sister Sandi (Margaret) and Randy shared a love of music and the beauty of nature – inseparable in spirit. He met his second wife, Linda Cates at the Hospice, where he said goodbye to Dee in 2009. After a period of pursuit (Randy was quite a salesman, she dubbed him “Sparky”) – they were married in 2011. The family was expanded to include his stepdaughter Michelle, and her two children Brady and Brittany (Ryan).
Dear God, we offer him to you – with great love for who is as a man, brother, father, husband and friend. Our hearts are full. “And it was good”. Soar Sparky!
The family is grateful for the care provided by the Pine Haven Christian Homes staff over the last year. A private service will be held at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home in Sheboygan for family and closest friends on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Cards and posts on the Reinbold website (Reinboldfh.com) sharing the many stories of “life with Randy” are welcomed. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.
The men and mates of the USS Mullany would like to extend their condolences to Linda and the family of Randy and to thank you for his service to our country. We will properly honor him at our 2021 reunion by ringing the ship's bell in his name.
With our greatest sympathies and prayers,
USS Mullany Reunion Family
Dear Linda, and all of Randy's family,
There's a new star shining down from Heaven above. Please receive sincere condolences on behalf of my family. May you find solace and peace in the loving memories of great times shared with Randy, as well as in the knowledge that he is home with Our Lord. We thank you for having included us as your friends for family celebrations; I can still hear Larissa's comment: "They're getting married, how romantic! They're such a cute couple! I love his bow-tie!"
Love always,
Dara
Mike and I wish you and your family our condolence during this difficult time. So hard to let go of such a wonderful, loving Father and Great American! Peace and Happiness to him and your family.
My sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers to the Apel family and friends on the passing of a great man who lived a wonderful life.
TO SANDI: Hi Sandi - I am so sorry that you have lost your brother Randy. I remember when we went to visit him and Dee and they sent you home with a Stuffed Green Pepper. You put it in my glove compartment and I found it several weeks later - by the smell. I remember him as being a great guy - I think he looks like your mom!! I would love to see you sometime. 563 542-2881
Joan McDonough Frommelt
Great Man. Played the harmonica like a pro. Excellent sense of humor...friend of many. Will miss the conversations. Wonderful pen collection. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thank you Randy for all you did for me...your guidance and knowledge in business. The opportunity you shared with me. Memories given....thank you for sharing your life with me, breaking bread and a great glass of wine. I pray for all those who share in the loss of your passing. May your life live on through family and friends.
Dear Linda and Family,
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Randy, he was a great person and kind soul! I will miss him!
Randy piloted my association with the Couri Group back in 1997. I trusted him from the moment I met him. ( which is unusual for me) We had a business/ friendship since that day. He was one of those people that never had a bad thing to say about anyone...a great quality these days!
He is a person who lived a quality life that touched many people professionally and personally. He was a great asset to the Couri Organization.
Dede and I send our deepest sympathies to you Linda and the rest of his family...he will be missed...he was one of the good ones!
Rick & Dede Kave
Waukesha
One of the most wonderful people I had the privilege to know and work with him for 13 years, A tremendous mentor who introduced me into the Couri family of agents. I learned a lot from him and others along the way. I always said to many that Randy was like a father to me. I will miss the "unsolicited" fatherly advice (whether I wanted to hear it or not :) , ...but it was offered to help me grow. I am better person in just knowing him. I love you, Randy, and always will!
Remembering Randy this week--my Insurance Dad and dear friend. I'll miss your caustic wit, encouraging words, and life advice. I enjoyed all our work together in the insurance world, across many miles. Heartfelt sympathies to Linda and all Randy's family from my husband, Shawn, and me. I'll remember you always, Randy, and keep you in my heart. Love and peace, Elaine
So much has been taught and remembered by a man that always sought to help others. My experience began with Randy in the late 1970’s. He fought hard to help insurance minded people find their way in a great profession. Never saying no, but more of how I can help? Economy Fire & Casualty, where we first met, and all the years working together, gaining knowledge of claims, underwriting, sales, and management. Randy so loved sales & finding ways to help others find a path in the insurance industry. He joined Heritage Insurance of Sheboygan, now Acuity Insurance, and was instrumental in developing additional independent agents to sell Acuity’s products. In 1997 he joined Couri Insurance Associates of Waukesha. His goal was to add independent agents and help them build their goals of owning their own business. He traveled through Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Arizona, and Colorado with great successes of recruiting, and helping agents have their own business through the sale of insurance products. His successes are numerous and continue today. Few people have a talent that is dynamic in their ability to succeed. Randy was one of those few that found ways to help others find ways to be happy and have enjoyable times at work. A saying of Randy’s, and he had many, “IF IT’S TO BE, IT’S UP TO ME”. We have lost a great friend, a great salesman, a great patriot, a great family man, an all-around great guy. Do we love and miss him, YES, we do and will forever. What a great legacy he has left us for many years to come. God Bless My Friend. Jerry & Judie Couri
To the Apel family...Sorry for you loss...Memories, let them fill your mind, warm your heart, and lead you through.....Randy will be missed.
My dear friend Randy will be greatly missed. Working and traveling together for over 20 years, many miles with life savers always at the ready, a scotch or five at night, and great business and life advice.
Too many stories to list but each bring a smile to my face.....
Randy was a force behind me becoming a Couri Insurance agent. He was always kind and helpful. Rest in peace, Randy. Condolences to his family from the Kuemmerle's.
Dear Randy's Family:
I owe my current Independent Agency success to Randy. Quite persistent he was, but in a friendly and no pressure way. Never over reaching, and If I only had half of his determination and drive.
Randy was a pleasure to know and I can only imagine how much he will be missed by his family. God just brought up a good guy here.
My condolences.
Dave Mohr/AZ.
Jay, please accept my condolences on the loss of your Dad. I remember he and your Mom as readers at Holy Name at the same time I was the cantor, how they held hands during the entire Mass. How beautiful that was.
