Doris A. Appold

Doris Appold, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, of Bay City, Michigan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at the age of 95. 

A lifelong resident of Bay City, she was born on June 13th, 1930 to Walter and Vera (née Reichard) Hoerauf. Doris married Gerald Appold on September 18th, 1954 and raised four children. 

She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran church - participating in the Ladies Aid, Stephen Ministry, and the prayer chain. She was a dedicated and regular blood donor, volunteer at the local Economy Center, and a worker at the Frankenlust Township elections. In addition, she also spent a number of years working at JL Hudson’s. 

Doris enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, and traveling. She created memorable experiences for her family with the yearly Easter egg hunt, having a constant supply of homemade cinnamon rolls, and making German potato salad, sausage, and sauerkraut with her grandkids. She was fun to be around, and loved her family to the fullest! She will be greatly missed by all. 

Left to cherish her memory are her dedicated husband of 71 years, Gerald (Jake)Appold, her sister, Shirley Ziegler, her four children: Dr. Jerry (Dr. Barbara) Appold, Linda (Kenneth) Johnson, Danny (Shelley) Appold, Barbara (Michael) Bectel; 13 grandchildren: Margeaux (Matt) Elsesser, Maxwell Appold, Megan (Matt) Busch, Claire Johnson, Arleigh (Emma DeGan) Johnson, Olivia (Colin) Harbenski, Dylan (Jenica) Nordstrom, Abigail (TJ) Riley, Loren Appold, Kaley Bectel, Rachel (Greg) Lenger, Christy (Andy Rock) Bectel, and Leah Bectel; and 9 great grandchildren: Tye and Truly Riley; Andi, Blake, and Sloane Elsesser; Gavin, Adalyn, and Jaxon Nordstrom; and Mallory Busch; brother-in-law Herbert Appold, sister-in-law Jean Appold, brother-in-law Lester Appold, and sister- in-law Gail Appold. 

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Vera Hoerauf, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Christ and Helen (Beiser) Appold, brother-in-law Eldor Appold, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Eunice and George Pierce, nephew- in -law Charles D. Pierce, sister-in-law Karen Appold, brother and sister-in-law Leroy and Melba Hoerauf, and brother-in-law Ronald Ziegler.

Special thanks to the excellent care provided by the Bay County Medical Care facility on 1 west.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 17th at Gephart Funeral Home from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 18th at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust with Pastor Dennis Matyas officiating. 

Doris will lie in state on Monday at the Church from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am with interment following in the church cemetery. 

Doris will be remembered for her boundless energy, quick wit, hearty laugh, unconditional love of family, and dedication to her church. She was a special lady who lived life to its fullest and now rests in peace with her Lord in heaven. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The St. Paul Ministry Center.