Lores Dale Appel, 85, passed away March 7, 2026, surrounded by his family at Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic, Ellinwood, Kan. He was born on Dec. 13, 1940, on the family farm in Bazine, Kan., to Elmer and Rachel (Schlagel) Appel. On Jan. 7, 1961, he married Dolores Lang at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, Kan.

A long-time resident of Great Bend, Lores and his wife were owners of Jimlo Glass, Inc., then after retirement, owned Appel Glass, LLC, where he helped design, install, and restore stained glass, like at Sts. Peter and Paul Church after the tornado and Trinity Lutheran Church. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish and Knights of Columbus Council #862. A dedicated community member, Lores was a former board member of SRCA Dragstrip – a love he gained from painting race cars with his brothers in their young years, finance council of St. Patrick Catholic School, Lake Barton Golf Association, Great Bend Brothers and Sisters, and helped establish the Jim Langrehr Memorial Field. He was a very active man, playing baseball and coaching baseball teams, golfing, and skiing, where he taught many people how to both snow and water ski. Lores enjoyed going to the lake and the family dock at Lake Wilson. He was an avid animal lover, but above all, adored spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Sandy Roth and husband Jeff of Ellinwood, and Jackie Harvey and husband David of Geneseo; five grandchildren, Jacob Roth and wife Kate, Nick Roth and wife Erica, Josee Turner and husband Drake, Grant Harvey and wife Jenna, and Peyton Harvey and fiancé Lauryn; seven great grandchildren, Harper, Wyatt, Evie, Harlyn, Rory, Carter, and Blair; and many extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; great granddaughter, Mia Jade Roth; and two brothers, Cleatus Appel and Cecil Appel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Amirtharajan Duraisamy presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. The family has requested that guests honor Lores by wearing yellow of some form. Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Vigil Service at 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society or Knights of Columbus Council #862, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2026