Anthony Francis Yapel

Dr. Anthony Francis Yapel, Jr., 87, of Roseville, MN, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at home surrounded by family.  Services will be held on December 13 at Transfiguration Catholic Church in Oakdale, MN: Visitation at 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m..

Anthony was born in Soudan, MN on August 14th, 1937, the son of Anthony and Barbara Yapel.  He married Agnes Pavlich on June 18, 1960, and they spent 64 wonderful years together.

Anthony was the first in his family to attend college.  He earned a B.S. in Chemistry in 1959 from St. John’s University, and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1967 from the University of Minnesota.  He started his career at the Central Research Laboratory at 3M and during his 33 years with the company, he received two patents and was involved in the development of many revolutionary therapies and products in the healthcare field.  He also mentored many young professionals and spearheaded an internship program with Florida A&M that continues to this day. 

Anthony enjoyed volunteering.  He was an active member in the 3M Tech Forum, the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Alumni Society and the St. John’s University Alumni Society.

From an early age, he had a passion for music.  In his youth he was a gifted trumpeter, playing with his peers in school and the Soudan Band.  In his college years, he played in the St. Cloud area with a big band jazz group called The Moon Misters.  He was a long-time season ticket holder with the Minnesota Orchestra.

He had a deep faith in God and was a devoted member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Roseville, MN for over 60 years.  During that time, he served as catechism teacher, lector and participated in the parish council.

Through it all, Anthony never forgot his roots on the Iron Range and enjoyed relaxing at his cabin on Lake Vermilion with family and friends.

He was a generous, compassionate, and positive dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and professional colleague.  Anthony is survived by his wife, Agnes Yapel; sons, Timothy (Carol) Yapel and Robert (Theresa) Yapel; daughter, Terese (Lawrence) Ricci; grandchildren, Valentina (Dave) Ronning, Brandon (Mary) Yapel, and Victoria (Jake) Blum; great-grandchildren, Theresa, Peter, Maria, Anthony and Elizabeth Ronning, and Monica Yapel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Living Life Health Care, especially his caregivers, Gibril and Dervis, and staff Robin, Trina, Sara and Marisa.

Memorials preferred to Options for Women East at Https://ofwepartners.com or have a tree planted in lieu of flowers

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