Keith Kenneth Appel

May 21, 1934 -

Sep 18, 2026

Born to Leon and Leona Appel on May 21, 1934, Keith Kenneth Appel grew up and attended public schools in Mankato, Minn. He was active in Boy Scouts and was free to roam the woods and waterways of Minnesota with his slingshot and pocket full of pebbles. He delivered newspapers to as many as 100 customers, finding a baby buggy worked better than a bicycle.

Keith's father taught him to hunt and fish and admitted that he may have overdone it. His father bought him a toy bow and arrow set, which led to a lifelong bowhunting passion. He hunted with a bow well into his 80s, mainly in Alaska and Africa. He was always happy to be in the wild, especially if it was a wet, cold duck blind and his dog was along to share the adventure. He was a storyteller and shared his adventures by writing a book and articles for various outdoor publications. He was active in the Alaskan Bowhunters Association and proud to be a lifetime member.

Graduating college with a biology degree he volunteered for the U.S. Army and spent time in Korea, after which he returned to college to earn a master's degree in art education. Keith and Darlene McCormick were married in 1960 and decided to check out Alaska. Their daughters Beth and Mary were born and raised in Anchorage.

Keith began his career as an art educator teaching at the new Wendler Middle School. He was awarded a sabbatical to study at Ohio State University and then became Art Consultant for the Anchorage district. He would later teach at East High School and the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he served as chairman of the Art Department. He was responsible for the campus beautification project and the cadre of volunteers, called the Appel Corps.

After retiring from teaching, he entered artwork in many statewide competitions for Art in Public Places. His art has been installed around the state, and he was proud to have a piece purchased by the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery. He worked as a painter, printmaker, sculptor, muralist and ceramist. He liked to experiment with new forms of expression and ventured into areas that demanded a great deal of creative problem solving, such as using computer controlled lights in his outdoor sculptures. He was grateful for the advice of others who helped him over the hurdles. He said he didn't make art—he made stuff. His artwork was exhibited in many galleries and at the Anchorage Museum. Keith's public art commissions can be seen in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and other Alaska locations.

Keith served on the boards of many art organizations and was awarded for his public service, as well as his art. He will be remembered as a good-natured, optimistic, nurturing person who always looked for the best in others.

He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his students. He loved dogs. He loved his life in Alaska. As Robert Service wrote: "O God! How I'm stuck on it all." The family spent many summers at the old Fox Farm in Bear Cove. They enjoyed the glory days of Katchemak Bay when King crab, shrimp and halibut were abundant.

Keith is survived by his wife of 66 years, Darlene; daughters, Mary Appel and Beth Appelsmith; son-in-law, Jacob; and granddaughter, Violet, all of Sacramento, Calif. His sister Barbara Owens and her children and their families live in the Mankato area. Keith died in Sacramento on Sept. 18, 2026, while visiting family. A memorial service will be held in Anchorage in summer 2027.

In lieu of flowers, please consider charities such as Special Olympics, Disabled Veterans and the American Red Cross.

Thank you to Phil Pringle for the photograph.