Obituary: Bernhardt “Bernie” Max Apfel III

December 25, 1939 ~ March 19, 2022

Bernhardt “Bernie” Max Apfel, 82,  died Saturday, March 19, 2022 after a brief illness.  

He was born in Chicago Illinois on Christmas day December 25, 1939 to Bernhardt and Irene Apfel.  Bernie graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1958 where he excelled at both football and track.  As a child, he spent summers in Twin Lakes, WI with his beloved maternal grandmother “Mum”, Lillian Richter. 

On January 13, 1962, he married the love of his life Lois (Overland) at Acacia Park Lutheran Church in Norridge, IL. They were blessed with 53 years of marriage.  

Bernie was a professional tool and die maker by trade.  He graduated with honors from The Tool & Die Institute of Chicago.  Bernie started his career in the family business at the Franklin Park, IL facility of Overland Bolling Tool & Die Company. In 1973, he moved his family to Sturgeon Bay, when the company expanded.  He both managed and served on the Board of Directors until his retirement in 1997.  In 2000, Bernie and Lois moved to Green Bay and enjoyed living in Thornberry Creek and more recently River Pines golf community.  

Bernie was a kind, loving and compassionate man who cherished his family.   He loved raising his boys on the water in Sturgeon Bay and was a hands-on and always present dad.   Bernie loved golf, fishing, boating, reading, and puzzles.  He was a die-hard Chicago sports fan who loved the Bears, Cubs and Blackhawks.  Bernie and Lois enjoyed extensive travel and cruising with family and friends.

Bernie’s faith was very important to him.  He was a long time member of Bay View Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay, where he served on various committees and church council.  In recent years, he was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Allouez.  

Bernie will be missed by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. Steven (Stacy) Apfel of Hobart, WI and Scott (Stacy) Apfel of Oswego, NY;  two grandchildren, Kristen (Dominic) Lizzio and Michael (Maria) Apfel both of Liverpool, NY; step grandson, Brent (Karen) Richardson of Rochester, NY.  He is further survived by five great grandsons and two step-great grandchildren; one brother in-law Kenneth Overland of Sturgeon Bay; nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his dear wife Lois, parents, in-laws Karl and Marie Overland, brother, Francis Kenyan, sister, Virginia “Babe” Biela and sister-in-law Carol Overland.

A celebration of life and  graveside service will take place at Hainesville Cemetery, Sturgeon Bay, at a later date. A memorial fund in Bernie’s name has been established at Ascension Lutheran Church, Green Bay.