White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Douglas S. Appelman, 75 years old, of Independence, Iowa, formerly of Clermont, Iowa, died on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at ABCM Rehab Independence-West, in Independence, Iowa.  He was born on September 5, 1937, in West Union, Iowa, the son of Franz and Joyce (Henderson) Appelman.  He graduated from high school in Clermont, Iowa, with the Class of 1955.  He then served in the U.S. Air Force.  Following his military commitment, he briefly attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, before returning home to farm.  On June 26, 1966, Doug married Margie Lois Swenson at the West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, Iowa.  Doug and Margie were the 4^th generation to farm the “Evergreen Farm,” which was in the Appelman family since 1854.  Doug retired from farming in 1999.  He and Margie moved to Independence in 2009.

Doug was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Union.  He was formerly active on several church boards.  He served as a township trustee, and was a member of the Farm Bureau and the Fayette County Pork Producers.  He loved his family, farming, and animals.  Doug enjoyed walking his dog, listening to country music, and reading automobile magazines.  He always kept a dictionary handy.

Mr. Appelman is survived by Margie, his wife of 46 years, 3 daughters, Sarah (Ed) Derr of Springfield, Missouri, Amy (Scott) Pottebaum of Adel, Iowa, and Laura (Mark) Blaker of Independence, Iowa, and six grandchildren, Andy and Gabe Derr, Emily and Sydney Pottebaum, and Rachel and Ava Blaker.  He is also survived by 1 brother, Dave (Marilyn) Appelman of Lewisburg, Tennessee, and 1 sister, Barbara (Streeter) Shining of Rapid City, South Dakota, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Doug touched many people's lives.  He was a blessing to his family and was loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 21, 2013, at the Jesup Bible Fellowship in Jesup, Iowa, with Pastor Matt Perez officiating.  At a later date, his cremated remains will be buried at God’s Acres in Clermont, Iowa.

White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.  Friends may call for visitation from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20^th, at the funeral home