Obituary for Sarah J. Appleman

Sarah met David Johnston in high school, and they had two daughters, Ashley and Lisa; they were married in 1990 and then had their son David, Jr. While they went their separate ways, they remained close and co-parented their three children.

In 1996, Sarah and Jeff Appleman began their nearly 30-year love story building a beautiful life and family together. They were united in marriage March 22, 2002, in La Crosse, WI surrounded by their children and were married 24 years. Their love for each other was infinite, unconditional and truly inspirational.

Sarah was a lover of cats; some may have even called her “The Cat Whisperer.” Growing up, she would just show up with a cat, saying they “followed” her home. She cherished her 19-year-old Siamese cat, Sophie, and her puppies Teddy, Lena and Molly. They were her babies.

In the summer, you would find Sarah at her home away from home - her camper at Champions Riverside Resort. She loved the simplicity of the camper life where she could relax and enjoy the fresh air and peace. She also enjoyed family vacations up north in Chetek, WI, which included many pontoon rides on the lake, family games, and endless laughs.

Sarah’s family was everything to her. Her kind, giving heart always put those she loved first, especially her grandkids. She loved to be in the kitchen cooking or baking. She especially enjoyed baking cookies with the grandkids every holiday, which often resulted in a flour fight.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffry Appleman of West Salem, WI; 6 children, Ashley Johnston of La Crosse, WI, Lisa Johnston of West Salem, WI, David Johnston, Jr., of West Salem, WI, Cassie (Steve) Bramblett of Onalaska, WI, Amber Johnson of La Crosse, WI, and Whitney Romskog of Coon Valley, WI; 11 grandchildren, Travis Johnson, Elizabeth Bramblett, Zach Johnson, Carter Rose, Lilyann Patros, Venice Starr, Briella Gilbertson, Layla Gilbertson, Graycen Achterkirch, Addison Romskog, and Rosalina Johnston; mother, Wanda McKay of Keokuk, IA; sister, Michelle (Larry) Foulk of Carthage IL; aunt, Glenda Dochterman of Keokuk, IA; mother-in-law, Wilma Appleman of Mindoro, WI; two sisters-in-law, Michelle (Warren) Moeller of Miles, IA, and Janet McKay of Carthage, IL; two brothers-in-law, Michael (Kandi) Appleman of Mindoro, WI, and Shawn (Melissa) Appleman of Morrison, IL; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Robert E. McKay; brother, Robert J. McKay; grandma, Alletia Hale; grandpa, Glen Hale; aunts, Karen Hale and Edna Hale; uncle, Harvey Hale; father-in-law, Kenneth Appleman; her fur babies Lady, Winston, Copper, and Gizmo.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem, WI. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service. Following the service there will be a Celebration of Life at Kromes Bar, 163 S. Leonard St., West Salem, WI starting at 12 p.m. All are welcome.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered at this website.