WILMINGTON — Joe Allan Apke, 89, passed away Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center.
Joe was born June 4, 1930, to George and Hannah Apke in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Joe was a faithful member of Winter Park Presbyterian Church. He was an active member of Orient Lodge No. 395 and served as treasurer for over 30 years. He was a dual member of Montgomery Lodge No. 94 in Ohio and was a Mason for over 65 Years. Joe was also a member of York Rite No. 82, National Sojourners No. 546, Cape Fear Order of the Eastern Star No. 346, Federal Point Chapter No. 361 and Order of the Eastern Star, where he served several times as worthy patron. He was also a member of Wilmington Shrine Club and Sudan Drum and Bugle. He was a member of Scottish Rite, where he obtained his 33rd Degree. He was a proud retired U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War. He later retired from General Electric as a draftsman. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him.
Joe is survived by his three children, Barbara Apke, Susan Apke and Matthew Apke, and his wife, Rhonda; two grandchildren, Joshua Apke, and his wife, Krystal, and Brianna Apke; brother, Charles Apke; brother-in-law, Bill Clevenger; and various nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; son, Joel; and sister, Carol Clevenger.
We would like to thank these special individuals who helped care for Joe: Rose Baldwin, Evelyn Kelly, Nina Mone, Jody Schaeffer, Dr. Sawyer, Dr. Hobart, Dr. Player, and his nurse, Sue, and his special angels at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center: Renee Beccue, Tisha Helms, Nancy Russell, Kitty Cat, Marcelo Nascimento, Shannon Smith, Gayla Varnum, Julie Pacquette, Delayne Godwin, N.P., and Dr Summerlin. Lastly, we would like to thank his many close friends and church family for their love and support.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, at Winter Park Presbyterian Church officiated by the Revs. Emile Harley and Aaron Doll. Burial will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Park with Masonic rites presented by Freddie Szakasits and a rendering of Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Jim Turner, Brian Kieb, Dale Kannenberg, Jeff Apke, Mitch Apke, Tim Apke and Steve Apke.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401; and Winter Park Presbyterian Church,4501 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403.
The family will receive friends at Matt and Rhonda Apke’s home, 7233 Quail Woods Road, Wilmington, after the burial.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
