Hello to friends and family. I am writing my obituary in first person about my life as I see it.

I was born January 7, 1929, on a farm in a Norwegian community called Kensett, Iowa. My Mom and Dad, Inga and Hilman Gaarder were wonderful role models to follow. I loved the farm, especially our animals that had pastures and big yards.

I went to Luther College and there I met Henry Appel, a wonderful and intelligent man. We were married in 1950 and started our lives in New Lisbon, Wis., where Tom was born. We moved to Marshall, Wis., where Eric and Karen were born. Then onto Brodhead, Wis., where Luther was born. Last but not least, we moved to Oregon, Wis., in 1963 and this was our forever home. I stayed busy with four children and community church activities.

Outside the home, I started a Hallmark card shop in 1978. My shop was so enjoyable. In 1988, I sold the shop and in 1989, Henry had a severe stroke. This brings me to my cause, diabetes. Henry had severe diabetes, and this insidious disease affects every part of your body. Help eradicate this disease.

I have been retired and live contentedly in my condo with my cat, Henne. I’ve had a good life. I’ve traveled, laughed, and loved.

I have lost my parents; my husband; my sister, Ileen; my brothers, Hoyt and Donald; and loads of friends and relatives I cared about.

This is the family I’m leaving, bless them all. My son, Tom, his wife, Lois, and their children, Erin, Jason, Carly, Celia and Henry. My son, Eric, his wife, Lita, and their children’s families, Erica, Rosco, Cohen, Sutter; Elyse, Dustin, Dylen & Kaleb; and Ashley. My daughter, Karen and her children’s families, Ray, Robyn, and Brooklyn, Charlie; Lauren, Brian, Greyson and Asher; and Kirsten. My son, Luther, his wife, Bobbi, and their children’s families, Christian, Heather, and Sebastian; Nathan; Noah and Heather; Jonah, Cheryl, and Layla; and Taralee, Collin, Bodhi & Aurora.

Audrey passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Oak Park Place Madison East. A funeral service will be held at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/donate).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

Audrey Jean Appel

January 07, 1929 - October 14, 2025

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