"Tom, so sad to hear the passing of your Father. What a gentleman he was and so much a part of the history of Marshalltown. You did a wonderful job on the obituary, our time involved with him was always such a pleasure. The true definition of a gentleman. May Gods peace be with him and you in this difficult time. Phil and Elaine Mount"
In loving memory of
Ross Patton "Pat" Apgar 04/25/2019
May 29, 1922 - April 25, 2019
Ross Patton "Pat" Apgar, 96, of Marshalltown, IA, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2019, at The Willows of Marshalltown. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019, at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Marshalltown. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. A Memorial Visitation will follow the Committal Service at 4:00 p.m. at Elmwood Country Club in Marshalltown. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Apgar Family Fund, Community Foundation of Marshall County. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Ross Patton "Pat" Apgar was born on May 29, 1922, in Marshalltown to Ross Edward and Emma Apgar. Older sister Mary welcomed the arrival of Pat and his twin sister, Patricia, on that day. Interestingly, Pat's parents actually met at a Marshalltown Country Club dance, located by the Iowa River, on the evening that R. E. Apgar moved to town and finalized the purchase of an existing portrait photography business from T. A. Brown. October 1, 1911, was the origin of Apgar Photography Studio, located upstairs on the NW corner of Center and Main Streets.
In high school, Pat was active in drama, journalism, football, and marching band. His first passion, to strive to be the best, was baton twirling to lead the marching band. It was a predominately male activity in those days with regional competitions and prize money. He achieved individual National Superior ratings in 1938, 1939, and 1940. Pat hitchhiked to competitions in Omaha, Mason City (Merideth Wilson Festival), Minneapolis, and Soldiers Field, Chicago, to perform in front of 85,000 spectators. Pat was the first person in the country to twirl three batons at the same time. He graduated from high school in 1940 and enrolled at Iowa State College in Ames, where he was a drum major and baton twirler and led the marching band for four years. At college, Pat was a photo editor of a campus publication, Beta Theta Pi fraternity, engineering school major, ROTC.
Pat served in the Army for a total of 8 1/2 years active service and was Honorably Discharged as 1st Lieutenant. He enlisted into ROTC at college, was called to active duty WWII April, 1943, and completed OCS in June 1944. Pat was an instructor of Field Engineering courses at Ft. Belvoir, VA, located near Washington D.C. His specialty was teaching other engineering officer candidates about enemy land mines, minefield techniques, booby traps, explosives, and obstacle demolitions through June 1946. Pat auditioned and was welcomed as the Drum Major and exhibition Baton Twirler with the Washington Redskins Marching Band for every home game in 1944 and 1945. His signature starting move would be to cue the music, lead the band onto the field by throwing two batons high into the air on one side of the goal posts and catch them in full stride on the other side. Not an easy feat. It abruptly ended one Monday morning when his commanding officer, who was seated close to the field and recognized his face, saw Pat dressed in the provided Native American outfit, and threatened discharge for not being in proper military uniform.
Pat was placed on active reserve after WWII wind down. He went back to ISU to finish his civil engineering major. He met his future bride, Dorothy, on campus. She was a graduate teaching assistant in the Home Economics Dept. Not being shy, Pat enrolled in her class so she would notice him. It worked as they dated and were united in marriage on May 9, 1948, on the family farm in Kansas. Pat was welcomed by his father to join into the family photography business and graduated from the Progressive School of Photography in New Haven, CT. He moved back to Marshalltown until the Army recalled him back into active service in September 1950. Three assignments involved refresher training and one year later Pat was off to South Korea as an advisor to the South Korean Army; teaching their engineers about landmines, explosives, booby traps, bridging and fortifications. Pat's father, R.E., had suffered a stroke, survived, and Pat came home on leave and the Army allowed him to be inactive and take over the family business, and then officially discharged in 1953.
Dorothy and Pat had purchased some land, built a house, and started their family. Two sons, John Apgar, born in 1953, and Tom Apgar in 1955. Pat also put his energy into building up the family photography business into full service portrait and commercial photography; specializing in high school seniors, family groups, weddings, children, as well as legal and product photography for numerous manufacturing companies in town. Enhancing his artistic abilities and passion for perfection, he entered portraits into regional judging events yearly. Pat twice received the Medlar Award for the best portrait of the Year in Iowa, judged by other professionals. Dramatic lighting, posing, and interesting subjects were chosen to tell a story. These are treasured classic images created in a style rarely seen today. Pat amassed hundreds of Merits of Excellence for prints professionally judged over the years and he achieved Prof. Photog. of America awards of Certified Prof. Photog. in 1956, Master of Photography in 1956, Photographic Craftsman in 1960. In addition, he developed two programs, seniors and children, where he was in demand as a regional and national speaker presenting to professional photography conventions. International PP of A panel judging in the 70's and 80's. More importantly, Pat was serving and pleasing the photography needs of families in central Iowa. Genuinely building trust, loyalty, and relationships with families with the help of a large fulltime staff at the Studio.
Sons John and Tom were both college grads, Betas, and pursued their own careers. John, public relations manager in the communications division of Motorola, was on his way up the corporate ladder when he tragically passed from a prolonged battle with a rare cancer at age 28. Brother John requested Tom to "take care of our parents and consider coming into the family photography business". Thank You, John. In December 1981, Tom became the 3rd generation to gladly perpetuate the family business. Thanks to Pat, Tuck, Darrel, and others for mentoring Tom and for all your years of loyalty to Apgar Studio. In 1987, Tom purchased the business from Pat after inventorying and amortizing every camera, lens, light, pencil, and paper clip. The business continued to prosper and serve central Iowa families. Pat stopped creating photos within a couple of years and was able to travel with Dorothy and enjoy retirement. They welcomed the neighborhood kids to play in the yard, come visit at any time, and mutually enjoy an abundance of productive activities. Pat and Dorothy made a lot of friendships and loved every minute.
Volleyball. Giving back. Perhaps his greatest passions! Pat learned the game in the military and loved the skill sets required, physically and especially mentally, where you can out-finesse your opponents. Pat actively played well into his 60's. He played on the YMCA league for over 30 years, always recruiting and encouraging new players to the sport. Pat got son Tom's generation involved and they had fun. It was a summertime, every Friday night tradition (open to all), to come to Pat's outdoor, hard surface volleyball court, complete with lights, and play from 5:00 p.m. until whenever we finally pooped out. Keg beer and often Dorothy's sandwiches were included. In the winter, Y league and every Thanksgiving night was the conversion of the indoor tennis court into a volleyball court, of course, Pat developed the system. He enjoyed playing and welcomed all. Iowa Girls High School volleyball programs were gaining momentum in the 1980's, but not in Marshalltown. So Pat Apgar convinced MHS athletic director, George Funk, to convert, reluctantly, the hallowed basketball court into accommodating girls' volleyball and it would become a big sport some day. Pat learned a math teaching position was open and recruited Bruce Vopova to apply and start the girls program in 1984. Several years later, MHS girls' volleyball won a state championship.
Apgar Volleyball Club, started in the winter 1985, sponsored yearly by Pat and Tom, administered by Coach Vopova and many volunteers was a statewide AAU competition girls' ages 10 -18, junior development program designed to welcome and motivate young girls into this great sport, teaching them skills and encouraging improvement. Girls learned to compete, sacrifice, succeed, socialize, and have fun. For 32 years, Apgar Volleyball Club positively impacted 100 + girls per year teaching volleyball skills that evolve into life skills. Over the years, Pat helped fund new volleyball court equipment at MHS, Miller M.S., Community College, YMCA, and outdoor court at the city park. He was proud to be honored by MHS in 2001, naming the Pat Apgar Invitational Volleyball Tournament held annually.
Pat was proud to be a Rotarian for 72 years, son of a founding member. He served on many boards over the years, YMCA, JayCees, Chamber, Scouting, and the local hospital. He was a lifetime member of Elmwood, son of a charter lifetime member. Thank you to Pat's caregivers at home and the wonderful three months at The Willows. His mind and soul were healthy, but his body was tired. Time for rest and peace.
Pat Apgar is survived by son Tom. Reunited in death with Dorothy and John.
Tributes
"Tom, Your father 'Pat 'was a special friend of the Horton family - My dad and mother owned Ewers Shoe Co next door to Apgar Studio. I worked there as a student at MHS and Iowa State, Your mom and dad - a wonderful couple. I still have a picture of me - probably from MHS days (when flat haircuts where the thing). I am sure you dad took that picture and others of my sister, mom and dad. As remember you lived on the corner of 13th and Elmwood Dr - think that was right. I had forgotten or never knew about all of those things your dad did with the band and Army, but remember him with his perma-smile, as caring friend of the Horton family and photography business next door to my parents shoe store (my mother's maiden name was Dorothy Ewers and she had 2 brothers who had shoe and mens clothing businesses in Iowa City where they first met, were married and decided to start a shoe business in Marshalltown. Pat probably took my senior picture and one of me with my flat-top haircut (the in thing when I was at MHS and played coronet in the MHS band. Those were good years in a great town, My dad and Pat shared long time memberships in Rotary and Elmwood. To have lived so long in good heath is a blessing. Please accept my personal condolences. But as you said, "Time for rest and peace." a wonderful tribute from a caring son. Ames, IA. Richard (Dick) Horton "
"We are truly saddened about the passing of our Uncle Pat. Fond memories of Uncle Pat?s and Aunt Dorothy?s visits to Florida as well as our times in Marshalltown will always hold special places in our hearts. We will be with you in spirit, Tom, tomorrow and will join you in raising a glass to a special man at 4:00. The Mary Apgar Sanford Family: Patsy Sharon Robert Carol Michael Rebecca "
"Tom, I saw Pat's obituary in the Des Moines paper this a.m. I just wanted to extend my condolences to you. I remember meeting Pat during my days in the Beta house in Iowa City. As you know way more than me, he was a pleasure to know. Certainly a success both in his professional and private life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care Tom. Randy Stefani"
"Pat was one of the nicest gentleman I have had the honor to have known. I first met him from family & graduation photos. I then worked in the dining room at Elmwood for about 8 years and him and Dorothy were always a joy to visit with. I did work at Apgar Photography for Tom and it was fun to see Pat stop by and visit occasionally. He was an amazing photographer and such a giving person. Marshalltown has lost a great man. God Bless "
"Tom, your dad was truly amazing and the love and dedication he gave to the game of volleyball among other things in our community. Our daughters enjoyed the many years of playing on Apgar volleyball teams. pat will be missed by so many but continued to be remembered. Our deepest sympathy. "
"Tom, my condolences. Pat was an exemplary man who led an exemplary life."
"Through the 1970's, a huge highlight for me was playing volleyball at the Apgar's every Friday evening in summer. I was proud to tag along in the Apgar tradition of working at the public swimming pools, playing volleyball and learning to be a gentleman in the style of Pat, John and Tom. Actually, as a teenager my main goal was to grow up to be like John. Working in the yard and getting lemonade and goodies from Dorthy, and being treated fairly and with respect from Pat while having fun at the same time summarises the experience. Pat's commitment to excellence and fun provided a shining example to all of us. A true privilege to have been a benefactor of Pat's magnanimous character."
"My mother painted photos for Pat for many years. They were dear friends. My sympathy goes out to Tom a nd family. Jeanette Beem"
"Tom, fond memories of playing volley on the silver bullets with coach Pat. Our thought and prayers are with the family."
"Tom---As you go through this journey of grief know in your heart many will be grieving with you. We will also be rejoicing that we were honored to have your Dad touch our lives and he is now celebrating in heaven with your Mom and John. Several generations have been blessed with the legacy your family has left in capturing the moments of our lives because we truly do not know the value of a photograph until it becomes a memory for us. As I reflect upon memories of your Dad, I am reminded of Elizabeth Kubler Ross' words...."People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there light is from within." Your Dad's light will continue to shine brightly throughout Iowa because of all the lives he has touched over the decades. I encourage you to embrace your memories for comfort and let the passions for life that you shared with him continue to shine through everything that you do. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers!!! Leigh Frink-Bauder "
"Tom, I have know your family for many years and find no words that could possibly sooth your feelings. Please know that you will be in my prayers and hope that God can give a feeling of comfort in your time of mourning. God Bless you."
"He inspired a generation of volleyball players. Played many games on the outdoor court that used to be at the east end of his property and at the YMCA."
"Comfort and prayers for the family. Mr. Apgar took graduation photos for my brothers and myself and then my wedding photos in 1971. (My husband and I will celebrate 48 years later this year). Pat and Dorothy were friends of my parents and we all went to St.Pauls. Lovely people. I send my condolences. Cathie Blaha Courtnage "
"An inspiring ?dad? to so many! A gentleman?s gentleman. Heaven is rejoicing to have Pat Apgar in his new home. We love you!"
"Tom.......our sympathies and prayers are with you at this time. Donald & Delores Hauser & Family"
"He was a master in his field. He caught precious memories fir so many of us. "
"Our whole family adored Pat. Such a fun guy to be around. He'd swing by the house on his snowmobile and say come on, and we'd all go out and have a blast. He took our family and individual portraits and always got the best out of us. He is missed. Jim Hinshaw"
"Tom. Your mom and dad were heroes to Joynell and I and we shall miss them always. We will never be able to drive by their home on Olive street without thinking of them and their service to our community, state and nation. One story your dad told that I particularly enjoyed involved his first and only date with a young lady that ended badly when his car got stuck in or near the small stream that runs through the valley below the home place. They had to walk home. God Bless you and them--forever. RIP Larry A. Raymon"
"Tom, A legend is now in Paradise joining your beloved family. I always loved talking to him at volleyball games; it was an honor to be considered his friend. Joe and Jaime remember him fondly when he would arrive at the pool at 7:45 each night to swim laps. May the words of Kahlil Gibran provide you comfort: "When you speak of your father, speak not with tears, for thoughts of him should not be sad. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort, for his life was rich because of you.?"