Damian Joseph "Joe"/"Spud" Apke , 73, Effingham, died at 8:11 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on November 11, 1940, in Sigel, Illinois, the son of the late Bernard and Beatrice Apke. He was one of seven children. Preceding his death; Delores Apke Riggins, Patricia Apke, James Apke, and Victor Apke. He is survived by two sisters, Elaine Pilgrim of Arizona and Cathy Delaney of Fisher, Illinois.

He married the late Linda Kay Pickering Apke in August of 1976 and is survived by his three children: Steve (Gina) Apke of E. Dundee, Illinois, Stacia Carter (Scott) of Schaumburg, Illinois and Stephanie Elliott of Lutherville, Maryland; eight grandchildren, Allison, Hunter and Jack Apke, Jessica, Joseph and Jared Carter, Madisen and Delanie Elliott.
Joe was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

Upon graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Army based in Huntsville, Alabama and worked on the United States Guided Missile Program from 1959 – 1962.

In 1963, Joe founded and was the CEO of Anton, Carnahan & Damian, an Industrial & Health Care Consulting Firm. He then joined forces as Vice President of System Effectiveness for Great River Health Systems in Burlington, Iowa.

In 1986, Joe moved to Chicago, Illinois where he continued to work in the health care industry as Managing Director of Operational Effectiveness for Ernst & Young. After many years of consulting the health care industry, he decided to follow his dream and love of construction. He founded D.J. Apke Construction Design and Renovation. He successfully built a well-respected construction company in Chicago and later added a secondary division of D.J. Apke Companies for property acquisition and management. Joe thrived on new challenges and believed each day was an opportunity to better yourself.

Outside of his many business ventures, Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, playing cards and reading.

The celebration of Joe's life will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a graveside memorial service at St. Mary's Cemetery in Lincoln, Illinois on August 23, 2014 where he will be reunited with his brothers, sisters, nephew and loving parents. Following the memorial, the family will be hosting a dinner and welcomes all family and friends to join in the celebration. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 120 in Effingham.