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Passing of Herr Dietrich Kurt Albert Apel

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  • Passing of Herr Dietrich Kurt Albert Apel

    A poster on DGS BBS noted that Dietrich Apel's obit appeared in his local paper today. Below is the link & verbiage I lifted:

    http://www.vnews.com/Dietrich-Apel-O...den-NH-5700259

    "Meriden, N.H. — Dietrich Kurt Albert Apel, 87, longtime resident of Meriden, passed away Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016.

    Dietrich was born on May 14, 1929 in Berlin, Germany and spent most of his childhood in Suhl, Thuringia. As a child and young adult he enjoyed the naturally mountainous terrain of his hometown and spent many hours hiking in the woods. He also occupied his time assisting and apprenticing in his grandfather, Franz Jaeger’s, gunsmithing shop, an experience which would ultimately lead to a lifelong career as a gunsmith and stockmaker.

    World War II and the subsequent Russian occupation of East Germany was an especially difficult period which Dietrich remembered with mixed emotions. He ultimately managed to reach West Germany where he worked for the American Air Force at the Wiesbaden Gun Club and started a new gunsmithing shop with his uncle, Kurt Jaeger. Eventually Dietrich received a visa allowing him to work for his uncle, Paul Jaeger, in the Philadelphia area. After his marriage to Eva Apel (née Sethe), the two emigrated to the United states in 1952 to start a new life.

    For the next few years, Dietrich worked on perfecting his gunsmithing craft. Despite experiencing the common plight of the impoverished and overworked immigrant, he did his best to enjoy his own version of the American Dream, which included the joyful births of his son and daughter. His career eventually took him to the Sturm, Ruger Company in Newport, N.H. After leaving New England for other business ventures, he ultimately settled in the Upper Valley area. Dietrich was enchanted by New Hampshire’s landscape and mountains, which reminded him strongly of his childhood in Germany. He decided to open his own business, New England Custom Gun Service, Ltd., in Meriden, N.H. where he helped build his own home and spent the remainder of his life.

    Dietrich was passionate about sharing the history of German Hunting Guns and their makers. After retirement, he founded the German Gun Collectors Association for which he produced and edited a number of Journals (available at the Philip Read Memorial Library in Plainfield, N.H.), including authoring many articles and providing most of the photography. He also led numerous tour groups to Germany, and answered thousands of inquiries regarding German hunting guns. Later, he established his own educational website, www.germanhuntingguns.com, where he sought to make an easily-accessible resource for those interested.

    In the last decade Dietrich found most of his joy in nature, and navigating the many woodland trails and roads of the Meriden and Lebanon areas provided him endless hours of enjoyment, which included meeting and chatting with various people along the way. The family would appreciate that any remembrances of those who crossed Dietrich’s path in this capacity be sent to allison.klosi@gmail.com. Other than his daily walks, he took pleasure in the Upper Valley’s many offerings of opera, symphonies, and classical music concerts. He was always looking to be useful, and enjoyed performing various volunteer jobs around the area. Family was important to Dietrich, and he spent a good deal of time working on family projects and providing a festive space for family gatherings.

    Having faced much adversity in his lifetime, Dietrich resolved numerous near-insurmountable problems. He remained a problem-solver to the last, and is now at peace.

    Dietrich leaves behind his wife, Eva Apel; daughter, Christine Apel-Cram; son, Peter Apel; granddaughter, Allison Klosi and husband Edvin Klosi; granddaughter, Sarah Cram and partner Troy Heath; grandaughter, Jennifer Apel; and good friend, Richard Clogston. Many thanks to special friends who have supported Dietrich throughout the years.

    Those wishing to make memorial donations are encouraged to consider the American Precision Museum P.O. Box 679, Windsor, VT 05089 (where Dietrich would love for you to visit!), or The Upper Valley Trails Alliance P.O. Box 1215, Norwich, VT 05055.

    True to Dietrich’s preferences, a small celebration of life, with date to be determined, will be held for family and close friends."




    Cheers,

    Raimey
    rse
    Last edited by ellenbr; 10-30-2016, 08:35 PM.

  • #2
    This is heartbreaking news. New members might not know it, but Dietrich founded the German Gun Collectors Assn. Not only that, he was for years the driving force, editor, and funder; giving so much of himself to the effort. We really owe him so much that the debt can't ever be fully repaid. I regret that I never met him "face to face", but was lucky enough to have enjoyed long telephone conversations with him. He was a fine man, and a wealth of information; always ready to share with the rest of us. I, for one, will miss him greatly.
    Rest in peace, good and loyal friend.
    Mike

    Comment


    • #3

      Dietrich as a teenager in Germany


      Dietrich & Family


      Dietrich @ Wiesbaden Rod & Gun Club


      Dietrich @ workbench


      Many thanks to the source of the images.

      Cheers,

      Raimey
      rse
      Last edited by ellenbr; 10-31-2016, 12:27 PM.

      Comment


      • #4

        Dietrich in Suhl @ 2008 parade


        Dietrich @ Old Sauer facility where he used to make deliveries on his bicycle with his rucksack in tow.


        Dietrich w/ a GGCA framed Suhler Waffenkunst poster-(Vintagers?).

        Many thanks to the source of the images.

        Cheers,

        Raimey
        rse
        Last edited by ellenbr; 10-31-2016, 12:37 PM.

        Comment


        • #5
          I knew of him and some of his life story. As Mike mentioned we owe a debt that's impossible to repay. I'm fortunate to own a drilling with his Grandfather's name on it. That we could all give so much to so many others over the course of our life.

          Comment


          • #6
            Raimey,
            The photo of the framed poster, was not taken at the Vintagers; note the cobblestone pavement and German text signs in the background. The location is likely in Suhl, when he took the poster there to present it to the museum.
            Mike

            Comment


            • #7
              Thanks for sharing his story and life with us. May he R.I.P.

              He reminds me of my father.
              Mit Schützengruß,
              Willi

              Comment


              • #8
                Ford:

                I should have stated GGCA as the caps are GGCA apparel.

                Cheers,

                Raimey
                rse

                Comment


                • #9
                  ]
                  Dietrich Apel w/ Uncle Paul Jaeger


                  It is assumed this image is from the 1970s per the stylish pants. I wonder if Dietrich & Payne Stewart had the same tailor? Several actions/triggers & have a gander at that wood.

                  Cheers,

                  Raimey

                  Comment


                  • #10


                    Cheers,

                    Raimey
                    rse

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      It is interesting that Joe Fernandes signed this letter as a young Captain in 1950. Unless my memory fails me, he was still active in the American Rod and Gun Clubs in Europe, as a retired civilian employee, up until the late 1970s-early 80s. He was greatly respected and his advice was often sought. Here is another connection to the "old days".
                      Mike

                      Comment


                      • #12


                        After touring the Merkel concern, Dietrich visited a local shooting range where he bumped into Kim Rhode.

                        Cheers,

                        Raimey
                        rse

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          About ten years ago, I had very fine drilling with the scope on the right smooth bored barrel. it was made by Franz Jager in 1943. I don't remember how, but I sent pictures of this drilling with fine engraved small scrolls to Dietrich.To my great surprise, I received letter from him, that he remember that drilling very well, because he made it!!!!! After that he sent me to Russia big letter with reprint catalog of FRanz Jager.
                          Rest in peace.........

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I had heard that Dietrich has passed. As echoed by others, he was a selfless, giving person. We shared many letters after I was a member of the Wiesbaden Rod and Gun Club in the late 80s and early 90s. He always answered questions rapidly and his knowledge was unsurpassed. After one letter where he outlined some of his history in Wiesbaden, I remember mailing him a cap and several other items embossed with the R&G club logo. he will be missed. Todd

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