SPARTA – Tracy A. Appel, 60, of Sparta, IL, went to live with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 18, 2025, following a tragic motorcycle accident.

Tracy was born January 2, 1965, to Carl and Betty (Carlyle) Appel in Joliet, IL. He married Rita Hamill on January 4, 1986, at the Faith Baptist Church in Marissa, IL. Tracy was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Sparta, and was an active member of the American Legion Post #480, Steeleville, and the Legion Riders. He was a graduate of Marissa Jr-Sr High School, Class of 1984. Tracy was employed at Chester Mental Health as a STA II on Unit A, where he adored his co-workers.

Tracy was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served his country for 23 ½ years. He was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, Fort Gordon, GA, Fort Hood, TX, Darmstadt, Germany, Yongsan, South Korea, and Fort Campbell, KY. Tracy served in the Middle East, 4 different deployments, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 39 years, Rita of Sparta, his son, Robert (Dawnye) Appel of Sparta, his daughter, Bethany (Christopher) Peters of Sparta, his grandsons: Logan Neal Peters, Robert Marshal Appel, Darren Trace Appel, and Lucas Eugene Peters, all of Sparta; his siblings: Bobby (Joyce) Appel of Columbia, TN, Karen (David) Averbeck of Marissa, IL, Lisa (Greg) Meisinger of Murfreesboro, TN, and Carl (June) Appel of Cadiz, KY; his brother-in-law, whom he loved like a brother, William Hamill of Sparta, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Tracy was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Betty Appel, his in-laws, Robert and Annabelle Hamill and our angel baby, Elizabeth.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, 2:00 pm, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Tim McIntyre officiating. Burial to follow at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL. Visitation will be Monday afternoon, where friends may call from noon am until time of service.at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be given the Family or Shriners Children's Hospital and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.