Richard Paul Apel

Richard Paul Apel Of Cedarburg, formerly of Wauwatosa, passed away on August 1, 2026, at his home in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. 

Richard was born on May 13, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Armand and the late Mildred (nee Weckerle) Apel. He graduated from Wauwatosa High School and pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, then graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He worked for Sears for many years testing products. Richard later went on to do motor design. His love for electrical engineering came from his close relationship with his father. His father worked on electrical transformers for Allis Chalmers, which got him interested in electricity. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Richard held a great interest in several hobbies including; toy trains, transmitter radios, and various other projects that he would tinker with in his free time. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, proudly holding season tickets for almost 60 years. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Diane (nee Ahrndt) Apel, his sons Craig Apel and Bruce Apel, and his cherished grandchildren (Sadie Apel and Callie Apel). He was preceded in death by his parents, Armand Apel and Mildred (nee Weckerle) Apel, and his siblings, Sherry Sawallich and Ken Apel. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 12:00 PM, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 Washington St., Grafton. Interment will take place at the church cemetery immediately following the service. A visitation will take place, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the church, from 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial to St. Paul Lutheran Church, or the memorial plant a tree are appreciated.