Rodney L. Appel, age 90, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 22, 2026.

He was born in Defiance, Ohio on February 13, 1936 to the late Francis and Fay (Long) Appel and was a 1954 graduate of Farmer High School. On July 19, 1958 he married Dorthy Sanders, who preceded him in death on September 27, 2020.

Rodney was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Stryker, Ohio. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed making beautiful furniture. He worked at Hollberg Company and retired from Crook-Miller Handle Factory in 2001. He liked model trains and collected and restored Allis-Chalmers tractors with his sons. Rodney loved traveling to Amish country. He traveled with his wife and family and have camped in every state in the continental United States. Rodney will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Rodney is survived by his loving children, Dale (Teresa) Appel, Beverly (Mitch) Robinson, and Barbara (Dave) Donohoo. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren, his brother Paul Appel, and sister Donna Volmer.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Rex A. Appel, and brother, Chalmer Appel.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 27th at the funeral home, with Rev. James Strawn officiating. Rodney will be laid to rest in Riverview Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church in Stryker.