The passing of Jerry Apps is the closing of a very large book. It may take years before many of us realize just how important he was in our lives, but that time will come.
Not only was he an excellent writer, but he could verbally tell a story to entertain you.
I first met Jerry at the 1980 Rhinelander School of Arts. At that time, he had published two books — just getting started, so to speak. While at the school of arts, I purchased a stapled pamphlet by Jerry, “Tips for Article Writers.”
Through the years that followed, I would bump into him at some function or another, and I would always remind him that I still had that valuable error book that he signed for me in 1980. The error was, the first two pages and the last two pages were the same.
The first time I mentioned it to him he responded in that deep voice he was so good at emitting, “Hang on to it, John, and don’t forget to read it,” followed by a hardy laugh.
As long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller. I had my first story published in the newspaper of the one-room school that I attended when I was 11. All through grade school and high school I wanted to be a writer. During my three years in the U.S. Navy, I wanted to be a writer.
Being a writer takes commitment and determination, something I didn’t have at that time. At the Rhinelander School of Arts in 1980, something happened to me that I can only describe as, inspiration. Not everyone can give that to a person, but I received it from Jerry Apps in 1980.
In the world of literature, I haven’t been as successful as Jerry, but just knowing him has helped me tremendously in my writing endeavor. In today’s hectic way of life, if I need some inspiration, all I have to do is look at the certificate on the wall by my writing desk. It’s an honorable mention for a 2007 story that I sent to the A.P. Nelson Feature Writing Contest, sponsored by the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association. The judge for that contest was Jerry Apps. Thank you, Jerry.
John J. Mutter Jr., Shawano
