LELAND SHERMAN APPLEQUIST
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. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67401.
For more information or to leave condolences online, please visit www.crick-christiansfuneralhome.com.
