Leonard M. Apple

Obituary

Leonard Apple, 92, was born and raised in Chicago and attended public schools. He graduated from Senn High School where he played football and baseball. After graduation he received a scholarship to the University of Idaho where he was a member of the football team for two years. After returning to the Midwest he entered Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, where he was a member of the football team. He received a BA in Liberal Arts and graduated in 1956. In 1961 he received an MA degree from Roosevelt University, Chicago. In addition, he received certification in driver education from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Illinois. After graduation he was a teacher and coach at Starr Commonwealth, Albion, Michigan. After leaving Starr Commonwealth he spent ten years teaching and coaching in Waukegan City Schools. In 1967 he moved on to Tremper High School, Kenosha, Wisconsin teaching P.E., health, and driver ed. He coached JV basketball for nine years and was head sophomore football coach for 24 years and one year as varsity coach. He was also an Athletic Director for 14 years. He was a true advocate for the coaches and the kids of all sorts. Len met his wife Barbara at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. They had been married for 67 years and have three boys, Larry, Michael, and Paul, four grandchildren, Daniel Apple, Laura (Casey) Morehead, Weston, and Elyse Apple and three great-grandchildren Bentley, Mackinzie and Lucas. Graveside services were held at Shalom Memorial Park, Arlington Heights, Illinois. For additional information, and a link to view the recorded service online, visit Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.

Service Information

Service : Tuesday, December 21st at 12:00 pm
Service Location: Private Graveside Service -Shalom Memorial Park

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

GUEST BOOK
PHOTOGRAPHS

GUEST BOOK

December 31st, 2021

I was a player on his 1983 sophomore team at Tremper. The varsity team was a little light that year and needed to bring up seven sophomores to the varsity team. Coach Apple still led us to an undefeated season. He set the expectation to win. As I look back, he only had one asst. coach (Bob Dettlaff) for our season together. I’m amazed at how much he taught us with such a small coaching staff. He didn’t waste time at practice. He drilled the basics into us. He was a perfect coach for an insecure, 15 year old learning the game. He instilled a pride in us that resonates in my life to this day.

To his family – thank you for allowing him to give so much of his time to so many kids like me. His impression on many lives was meaningful. I feel incredibly blessed to have been one of his many players. He made a significant difference in my life.

~Mike Willkomm
~former player 1983 Tremper Soph. team, Kenosha, WI

December 29th, 2021

My memory of Leonard Apple was one of watching a man deal with high school kids with the most cool, laid back countenance no matter what. Perhaps if I had been a player on one of his teams I would have seen a different side, but honestly he was such a sweet man with a great disposition and a smile that always made you smile back. My sons played for Mr. Apple and said he was looked fondly upon by all his players. My condolences to Barb and the family.

~Suzette Englund
~friend, kenosha, WI

December 29th, 2021

We worked together at Tremper High School. We taught together coached
Laughed and had a lot of fun doing what we both did. He left his mark on all that knew
Him. He will never be forgotten. May his soul Rest In Peace ! Regards to the family

~Robert Pozza
~Friend, Kenosha wi

December 28th, 2021

I was fortunate to have worked and be mentored by Len. I was his assistant sophomore football coach before becoming a varsity assistant for Tremper High School’s State Championship teams of 1979 and 1980. Len was instrumental in not just the development of the football skills of these young men but also of their character and growth into positive contributors in their communities. No one could ask for a better role model for their child than Len. This is a photo of Len and Ron Davies from earlier this year at a reunion with the Tremper football team. My condolences to his family.

~David Tuttle
~Coached football with Len, Racine, WI

December 28th, 2021

Coach Apple, always loved his job