Karen A. Apel

Karen Annette Chaney Apel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed peacefully on Thursday, February 15, 2018 with her husband and children at her side.

Karen was born on November 14, 1950 in Charlotte, NC to John C Chaney and Betty Jo (Archer) Chaney. Her father was a lifer in the United States Marines, so Karen moved around the country wherever he was stationed. She graduated from Havelock High School in 1969. She joined the United States Navy following high school and was eventually stationed in Norfolk, VA where she met her soulmate, Terry. They were married on November 12, 1971. Following their honorable discharges from the Navy, they moved back to Terry's hometown of Pocatello, ID where they made their home. Terry and Karen were blessed with a son, Darryl, and a daughter, Michelle. Karen had unconditional love for all of her family. She always looked at the bright side and found the good in people. She loved her pets Jazzmine and Baylee. They would make her smile every day with their antics and devotion.

Karen worked for School District #25 for thirty years, dedicating her life to help better the lives of those with special needs. Karen was involved with Special Olympics for over twenty-five years, serving as the head bowling coach for the Gate City StriXers. Karen also served as Treasurer on the Executive Board of Directors for the Independence Home for the last twenty years. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church up to the point her health prevented her from attending regularly. Karen has touched the hearts of so many people and will be greatly missed.

Karen loved to watch the Utah Jazz and had been a fan for thirty years. She was also loyal to the North Carolina Tar Heels and couldn't wait for the next UNC/Duke basketball game in March. She enjoyed bowling and playing in the Pocatello Women's Softball League of which she served as president. Karen liked to take camping trips and enjoyed fishing, especially at her favorite fishing holes up Toponce Creek.

Karen is survived by her husband, Terry; daughter, Michelle; son, Darryl and his wife Misty, their four children, Jordan, Zach, Alex, and Isaac "Izzy". She is also survived by a sister, Sharon Chaney of Morehead, NC; a brother, John Franklin Chaney of Wilmington, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, grandmothers, Maggie and Trudy, and her mother and father-in-law, Ruth and Sam Apel. Special thanks to the staff at Quinn Meadows. She really enjoyed the people there and made several friends during her time there.

In keeping with Karen's wishes, she will be cremated and a celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. 15th Avenue. Military rites will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Karen's family in the "Tribute Wall" tab above. The family requests memorial contributions be made to an account at any branch of the Idaho Central Credit Union, "In Memory of Karen Apel". All monies contributed will be used to benefit the special needs community whose lives she touched.