Leland Sherman Applequist, Sr.
Leland Sherman Applequist, Sr. born March 10th, 1934 in rural Falun, Kansas to Sherman Carl Applequist and Sadie B. (Johnson) Applequist passed away in Marquette, Kansas on August 27th, 2025.
He was baptized on April 8, 1934 at Salemsborg Luthern Church where his family of Swedish decent were members. Leland grew up helping his mom and dad on the farm in Falun, Kansas alongside his brother Ray Applequist. He knew at a very young age what he wanted to do with his life. Leland attended White Rose school, a one room schoolhouse near Falun. His parents wanted him to at least finish 8th grade, which Leland did, but he had other plans. He convinced his mom and dad that he had all the schooling he needed and proceeded to work the family farm full time.
When times were hard at the family farm, it wasn't uncommon for Leland to travel to other states to work for extra money. Whether is was picking peaches in Colorado or packing ice in train cars for transport, he never shied away from pulling his weight.
In early adulthood and throughout his life, Leland loved to dance and roller skate. He met Dorothy Joyce Lillie while roller skating in McPherson, Kansas and they were married January 8, 1956. The couple purchased some land a half mile from the family farm and made their home there. Not only did he and Joyce care for their own farm and cattle, they continued to care and work his parent's farm while holding down full time jobs in Lindsborg, Mcpherson, and Salina.
Leland was no stranger to work and he had a strong work ethic. He believed that is what kept him healthy, showed character, and kept a person out of trouble. Leland was always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors. Joyce passed away unexpectedly in February 1974 at the age of 39.
Leland then met Lois (Fager) Pankau through work at Tony's Pizza in Salina, Kansas and were later married. Lois had a son and daughter, Joe and Wendy Pankau, who came to live with Leland and his children on the farm near Falun. Both Leland and Lois worked the farm along with their kids and held down full time jobs to make ends meet. Lois passed away in October of 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Leland leaves behind three children with Joyce. They are Leland Applequist Jr. of McPherson, Cheryl Ford of Salina, and Carl Applequist, Kansas City, along with his step-daughter Wendy Dupoy of Las Vegas, Nevada, a brother Ray Applequist (Deanna) of Falun, Kansas, a sister, Ilene (Applequist) Lambert and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leland was preceded in death by his parents, spouses, and stepson, Hans Joseph Pankau.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the healthcare providers who cared for Leland in his last years for being so kind and compassionate. These extraordinary caregivers include the entire staff of Riverview Estates in Marquette, Kansas, Lindborg Family Health Care Clinic, Lindsborg Hospital, and Gentiva Hospice in McPherson, Kansas. Our many thanks go out to each and every one of you.
Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, September 8, 2025 Salemsborg Lutheran Chuch, 3831 W. Salemsborg Rd., Smolan, KS, with Pastor Ben Fulton offcating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salemsborg Lutheran Church.
Eileen Maxine Kauffman
Eileen Maxine Kauffman of Enterprise, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, in Salina, Kansas, at the age of 94 surrounded by the love of her devoted family. Maxine’s long and fulfilled life touched many, and her legacy will live on through those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Born on August 1, 1931, in Carlton, Kansas, to August and Clara Gladys Glahn, Maxine grew up with strong family values and a spirit of loyalty that remained with her throughout her life. She graduated from DCCHS in 1949 and on April 8, 1950 married her partner in life, Dale Kauffman. Together, they nurtured their family and built a legacy on the family farm, where Maxine played a vital role in both its day-to-day operations and its long-term success as she was as comfortable on a tractor as she was at her sewing machine.
Maxine was the proud mother of three children, Linda (Bob) Huseman, Luanne (Al) Wagner, and Lynn (Julie) Kauffman, the loving grandmother of seven, including Jill (Trenton) Jones, Jana Rogers, Michael Porter, Matt (Samantha) Porter, and Russ (Angie) Porter, Jennifer (Steve) Allen and Tyler Kauffman. She was great grandmother of eleven, including Paxton, Caden, Landry, Elli, Carson, Annabelle, Tilley, Madelyn, Courtney, Hudson, Beckett. She was unwavering in her support of her children and grandchildren, never missing a sporting event or school function, and always ready with a warm embrace and a loving smile. She had a special talent for making every family member feel uniquely loved and supported, and her home was always filled with laughter, warmth, and good food. Known fondly as "Gram," Maxine radiated fun and kindness, building memories that her family will carry in their hearts forever.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale, and her brother Lyle Glahn and is survived by her sister LaVeta (Dale) Wingerd.
Maxine’s heart for service was felt throughout her church and community. She was a dedicated member of New Basel Church, participated in the Navarre EHU, donned fun hats with the Red Hats Society, and gave generously of her time as a volunteer with the Memorial Hospital and Navarre Boosters 4-H Club. Maxine dedicated over 30 years as a school bus driver, safely transporting generations of local children and often cheering them on at countless school events. She also contributed to her community as a Mary Kay Consultant, spreading encouragement, joy, and the simple beauty of self-care to friends and neighbors alike.
Known for her creativity and active spirit, Maxine took great pleasure in sewing quilts and fashions, crafting ceramics, and tending to her meticulously cared for gardens, she could often be found mowing her lawn well into her 90s. She was an avid collector of angels, plates, and thimbles, gathering treasures during her many travels. Maxinealso made regular exercise and walking a joyful part of her routine.
Maxine will be remembered for her loyalty and dedication, her laughter and love, and the unwavering support she offered her family and friends. As a tribute to our mother and grandmother, we are committed to carrying on her legacy of commitment to family and community.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5-7 pm at 414 NW Third ST., Abilene. A service will be held at the New Basel Church on Wednesday September 3rdat 10:30 am. The family requests memorials to New Basel Church and the Navarre Community Center.
In honoring Maxine’s memory, we invite all who knew her to celebrate a life well-lived and to continue her legacy of love, commitment to family, and service to the community.
