Archery's one of the 'Good Guys" Passed

Rudy Cariello · January 17, 2015, 09:11:00 AM

Ernie Appel passed away Friday (1/16/2015).

Ernie was one of the quiet guys nobody heard much about. He was 88 years old and had been building bows and Indian related stuff since he was 12. Back then he rode his bike or hitchhiked from his place in Milwaukee out to Hales Corners, nearly 10 miles away. There he studied under Ben Hunt, noted authority on Native American Crafts.

Anyone who has seen any of Ernie's, bows arrows or quivers, just shakes their head in admiration of the great work he did.

Ernie was a long time pal and hunting partner of John McDonald of "Big River Bows". Together they enjoyed archery together for over 75 years.

Here is a small sampling of his work, a double Otter skin bowcase and quiver with a sinew backed horn bow, and a close up of another sinew backed Osage bow.

Farewell Ernie, it was my pleasure to have known you.

ron w · January 17, 2015, 09:18:00 AM

RIP

elkken · January 17, 2015, 10:01:00 AM

Another arrow that arches quietly into the sunset

KentuckyTJ · January 17, 2015, 10:51:00 AM

Sorry for the loss. Beautiful work!

Duker · January 17, 2015, 10:56:00 AM

May you rest in peace Ernie

Gen273 · January 17, 2015, 11:20:00 AM

WOW, what talent and skill he had. I am sorry to hear about his passing.

Stump73 · January 17, 2015, 11:35:00 AM

Rest in peace.

January 17, 2015, 12:43:00 PM

RIP!

Bisch

SELFBOW19953 · January 17, 2015, 12:47:00 PM

Rudy,

Hopefully he was able to pass some of his talents and abilities along to you and others. It's a tragedy when we loose the knowledge and skills of previous generations.

Sorry for your loss.

MCNSC · January 17, 2015, 01:52:00 PM

Must have been great knowing him. Amazing work there

Leland · January 17, 2015, 04:08:00 PM

Condolences to his family,you can tell he loved what he did.
Leland

Cyclic-Rivers · January 17, 2015, 05:29:00 PM

RIP Ernie. Prayers to your family and loved ones.

Jayrod · January 17, 2015, 06:08:00 PM

Rest in peace! Godbless family and friends!

Caughtandhobble · January 17, 2015, 07:26:00 PM

RIP

hoo-ray · January 17, 2015, 07:28:00 PM

Rest in peace. Josh

tracker12 · January 17, 2015, 07:49:00 PM

Enjoy the heavens. RIP.

Bigriver · January 17, 2015, 07:55:00 PM

Ernie was a kind, soft spoken, gentle old sole. He was a pleasure to sit and talk to, what a cool guy. He was at most of the trad shoots I attend showing off his new creations. His primitive arrows were works of art.

Looking at him, you would have never guessed his age, that always amazed me. Our WI trad world will be a little quieter in the future.

I hope his last days were as pain free as possible, may he rest in peace.

Keep a few thoughts and prayers for his best bud John, I know he is hurting .

Steve Jr · January 17, 2015, 07:57:00 PM

RIP Ernie and prayers for comfort to the family.

Orion · January 17, 2015, 08:06:00 PM

Glad to have been able to call Ernie a friend. He truly was one of the good guys.

njloco · January 17, 2015, 09:06:00 PM

Wow ! He did some real nice work ! RIP.