Diane M. Appel

Diane was raised primarily in Romeo, MI where she once attended a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Romeo High School and the Henry Ford Hospital Nursing School. In 1960 she married Walter Appel. Diane and Walter relocated from Columbus, OH to Lansing, MI in 1963. Within a short time, Diane joined Sparrow Hospital where she had a successful and accomplished career as a registered nurse for more than 35 years. Diane and Walter also joined University Lutheran Church at this time and remained members for the rest of their lives.

Diane had many talents in addition to nursing. She was a full-time mom to her daughters, Laura and Caren, a wonderful seamstress, an expert gardener and a good cook. When she retired from Sparrow in 2001, she joined the Michigan Athletic Club and the ULC adult choir. She also volunteered in the office at ULC, took part in the Red Hats, and was a dedicated participant with the Wet Heads at the MAC.

Diane is survived by her daughters Laura Appel (Gary Garbarino) and Caren Gawlak (Scott), granddaughters Kira and Dana Gawlak, her brother William Trieloff (Kelly), special friends Bobbie and Sandy Davis, Judy and Paul Kindel, and Nancy Bohnet. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Walter and her brother John Trieloff.

The family will hold a memorial service at University Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 9 at 11am at 1020 S. Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI. The family will begin greeting guests at 10am. Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to University Lutheran Church or Haven House Shelter, 121 Whitehills Dr., East Lansing, MI 48823 or a charity of your choice. Thank you to the UM Sparrow Herbert Herman Cancer Center staff, to Dr. Dennis Perry and to Dr. Majid Mughal for their dedicated care for Diane.

Diane was a loving mother and grandmother. She was Aunt Diane to 19 first cousins in the family. She was a good friend to many and a special neighbor on Margate Lane. She is dearly missed.