Michael Euene Appel

Michael Eugene Appel, 76, San Diego, Calif., passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 19, at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, Calif. Mike fought a courageous battle with cancer the past few years.
Mike was born Dec. 10, 1945, in Atchison, Kansas, to Russell E. Appel and Deloris M. Appel. The family moved to Ohio, and eventually settled in northern Iowa.  Mike attended Northwood Community Schools until his sophomore year, and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1963.
Mike spent several years in the Twin Cities, where he was involved in sales. He relocated to San Diego, Calif., in 1981. Mike had a deep love for the game of golf, and this led him to open The Apple Gang Custom Golf Works in San Diego. Mike loved sharing his knowledge of golf with his loyal customers. Along with sales of golf equipment and accessories, Mike offered repair of clubs, and built custom clubs.
In retirement, Mike kept busy working at the Del Mar Golf Center and Sorrento Canyon Golf Center, where he was involved in repair of clubs. Mike was an avid reader in his later years, reading over 300 books.
 Mike and his wife, Deborah, have been together since 1984. They enjoyed walks on the beach in Del Mar, and vacations to Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains. Deborah has spent countless hours taking Mike to appointments, and caring for him at home.
Mike is survived by his wife, Deborah; a sister Candace Ryan (Monte), Sun City, Ariz.; a brother, Russ, (Allison), Webster City; brothers-in-law: Mitchell Kaye and Jack Kaye, both of San Diego, Calif.; and Orlan Solomonson, Blaine, Minn.
Mike was preceded in death by both of his parents; infant son, Michael Jr.; and a sister, JoAnn Solomonson, Blaine, Minn.