Jon Harold Appenzeller

Jon “Appy” Appenzeller was, first and foremost, a proud patriot…quick to stand and salute at the appearance of the flag or the first notes of our national anthem. As a child, Jon’s (forever Jonny to his parents and siblings) nickname was “The Holy Terror” and his days were spent totally free-range: looking for buried treasure or bodies - either would have been equally exciting, climbing trees and building forts, fishing, sledding, water-skiing, deconstructing anything complex although rarely with permission, but mostly chasing each other around - frequently ending in trips to the ER.

Things didn’t change much when he became an adult. He was known for his good looks and charm; for living life large with reckless abandon, underscored by a wicked sense of humor and frequent bodily injury. He had strong conservative values and unabashedly shared his views, especially enjoyed over an adult beverage.

Like both of his parents, Jon loved people and was very companionable, amassing many friends along his way. He was a man willing to work hard and he could fix almost anything with MacGyver-like creativity but always finished to perfection. His favorite places were somewhat remote, wild, rugged, and beautiful, frequently requiring a true adventure to reach (e.g. his bike trip to the arctic circle) and always resulting in great stories…and preferably on his Harley.

Jon was born in Springfield on June 9, 1955, to Robert and Marjorie Appenzeller. He died at home peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, following complications from a recent illness, after having spent a long weekend surrounded by family and friends who loved him, tenderly cared for by Joyce Ann, who has been his only love since they met at age 19.

Jon was preceded in death by his father, Bob; son, Jonathan; in-laws, William and Shirley Haycraft; and brother-in-law, Joe Haycraft.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; mother, Marj; son, Justin; daughters, Megan and Erin; grandchildren, Kyler, Kobe, Felix, Aurora, Presley, and Huxley; brother, Jim and his wife, Cindy; sisters, Becky and her husband, Craig, Patty and her husband, Steve, Janet and her husband, Skip, and Denise and her husband, Jim; in-laws, Sam and Marilyn, John and Chris, George, Patrick and Kelly, and Susie and John; nieces, Krista, Kelly, Sarah, Anna, and Eden; and nephews, Kyle, Andy, Tanner, Cody, Sean, Josh, Nathan, Eli, Alex, Dustin, and Dylan.

Jon was extremely proud of his 22-year career in the United States Air Force, where, as a Master Sergeant, he excelled in avionics and later taught the discipline to others. Before his retirement from the Air Force in 1999, he and his family were based in Arizona (twice), Guam, California, Illinois, Mississippi, and Aviano, Italy. In those various locations he spent his free time camping, boating, diving, skiing, riding his assorted motorcycles, and enjoying great wine and exotic food.

After his retirement from the Air Force, his family returned to Springfield, and Jon continued his avionics work for a period of time at General Electric, working on jet engines. He retired a second time, in June 2025, from Simplex, after many years traveling the world as a technician on their behalf. As an international road warrior, Jon was able to indulge his voracious appetite for reading…hard copy only… (props to De Mille, Silva, Baldacci, Connelly, etc.).

Jon’s easy smile, quick wit, and helping hand will be sorely missed by his wide circle of family and friends, but there will be countless memories and legendary stories to sustain us and keep him close.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

A private family inurnment will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at a later date. A celebration of life will be held at a location and on a date to be provided here.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703.