Joseph E. Appleton

Joe Appleton, age 96, passed away at St. Paul Home on Monday morning, November 14, 2011. Joe was born in Freedom on November 23, 1914, son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Stammer) Appleton. He attended Freedom schools, and married the former Rosann Vandehey on November 22, 1941; Rosann preceded Joe in May of 2011. As a young man, he served in the United States Army and also owned his own oil delivery truck. Later he worked at Conrad's Service Station in Kaukauna, until he took a job with the city with the Park and Recreation Department. Joe enjoyed woodworking, and donated many pieces to the parish over the years. He also loved gardening, and cared for the many plants and flowers surrounding the Holy Cross rectory. Joe and Rosann were longtime and faithful members at Holy Cross Parish, where Joe served as an usher as well as a mass server. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, St. Paul Home, and was a member of Council #1033 of the Knights of Columbus.

Joe is survived by two sons: David (Jan) Appleton of Houston and Richard (Peggy) Appleton of Appleton; five grandchildren: Jim (Amy) Appleton, Jolene (David) Hemp, Ken Appleton, Kristine (Nick) Nicolini, and Michael Appleton; and five great-grandchildren: Allison, Kiera, Noah, Kelsey, and Jonah. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rosann, a brother: Gerald (Alice) Appleton; and four sisters: Della (Felix) Meulemans, Marion (Bernard) Kemps, Edna (Jack) Nienhaus, and Ruth (Ted) Meulemans.

The funeral liturgy for Joe will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna, with Fr. Jack Mullarkey officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at Holy Cross Church on Thursday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the mass.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
930-766-6200