Obituary for Kenneth L. "Ken" Appleman

Kenneth L Appleman, 96, of Melrose, WI passed away January 21, 2026, at Morrow Community Home in Sparta. Ken was born July 22, 1929, at home in Webster Township, La Farge, WI to Cortland and Elizabeth (Knapp) Appleman. After finishing eighth grade, Ken worked on the farm with his dad and with other various farmers.

In March of 1952, he was drafted in the United States Marine Corps, did his basic training in San Francisco, Ca. He served in the Korean War as a Marine Gunner. He was honored to have been selected to attend an Honor Flight from La Crosse in 2016.

On April 22, 1961, he was united in marriage with Wilma Weimar in Lacrosse, Wi. Married for 64 years, they spent most of that time living by Fulton, IL before moving back to Wisconsin 2013. While living in Fulton, he worked for Drives (Timken) and John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline retiring in June 1992 after 27 years of service.

Ken never met a stranger, always striking up a conversation with someone new. He enjoyed helping out his daughter and son-in-law on their farm. Always enjoyed visits from his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma; four children, Jeff (Sarah) Appleman of West Salem,WI, Michelle (Warren) Moeller of Miles, IA, Michael (Kandi) Appleman of Mindoro,WI, and Shawn (Melissa) Appleman of Morrison, IL; 13 grandchildren, Cassandra (Steve) Bramblett, Amber Johnson, Ashley Johnston, Lisa Johnston, Whitney Romskog, David Johnston, Erin (Brandan) Dietzman, Garrett (Brandi Welch) Moeller, Bryce (Molly) Appleman, Shay-Lyn (Josh Kulig) Appleman, Alexis (Chris) Dudley, Samantha Appleman, and Mena Appleman; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Olson of Rice Lake, WI, and Marjorie Nemec of La Farge,WI; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Joan) Weimar, David (Corinne) Weimar, one sister-in-law, Rose Mulholland; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Maggie (Delbert) Hall, Henry (Phyllis) Appleman, Mabel (Fay) Dickau, Mary (Lawrence) Hadley, Phillip Appleman, and Calvin (Bernadine) Appleman; infant sister, Marilyn; two brothers-in-law, Everett Olson and Leroy “Bud” Nemec; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Willmar and Alice Weimar; and nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Jostad Chapel, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service. Following the service there will be a burial with military honors held in the Hellwig Cemetery rural Coon Valley, WI.

Online condolences may be offered to Ken's family at this site.