Mindy Apfel

(From Parker Mortuary)

Minnie Lucile (Mindy) Kolkmeyer Apfel, age 83 of Joplin, went to be with the Lord at 12:49 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born November 17, 1931 on her family's farm in Saginaw, MO, she was the daughter of the late A.A. Kolkmeyer and Lucile Cox Kolkmeyer and was the great-granddaughter of John C. Cox, a pioneer Joplin founder. She lived in the Joplin area her lifetime. A 1949 graduate of Joplin High School, she graduated from Joplin Junior College in 1951. Her focus was as a homemaker and mother, but she also did office work for several area business, including the former Porter Cadillac, Christman's Department Store, Mission Jewelers and Zales Jewelers. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Joplin Historical Society and board member of the John C. Cox Pioneer Cemetery Project.

On December 21, 1952, she married Ronald Charles Apfel in Joplin. He survives.

Additional survivors include a son, Michael Alan Apfel and wife Deb of Overland Park, KS; a daughter, Carol Lee Bird and husband Dave of Carl Junction; three grandchildren, Andrew Deon Apfel of Overland Park, KS, Natalie Nicole Bird and Kristopher David Bird, both of Carl Junction; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 2nd from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to John C. Cox Pioneer Cemetery Project, in care of the mortuary.