Connie R. Appelgate

Connie R. Appelgate, 82, of Gladbrook, IA passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center, IA. Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Gladbrook American Legion Hall. A visitation luncheon will begin around 1:30 p.m. following the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Chapel Hill Cemetery in rural Garwin, IA. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established by the family. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Connie was born February 19, 1943, to Elmer and Esther (Anderson) Martens in Lincoln, IA. She graduated from Gladbrook High School with the class of 1961. Connie was united in marriage to Merlyn Appelgate on August 28, 1965. The two made their home in rural Garwin until moving to Gladbrook in 2014. Connie was a homemaker until later when she started working for Beardon's in Gladbrook, which was eventually known as Gifts of Grace. She was a member of Chapel United Methodist Church, Ladies Cemetery Association, Gladbrook Woman's Club, and a youth fellowship counselor. Connie and Merlyn were members of the bowling league in Gladbrook for several years. Connie loved to clean, proud to keep a tidy house. Connie and Merlyn built a successful life together and celebrated 60 years of marriage earlier this year. She will be greatly missed.
Connie is survived by her husband, Merlyn, of Gladbrook, her daughter-in-law, Lisa Appelgate, of Parma, OH, three grandchildren; Regan (Chris) Hofman of Lakewood, OH, Conner (Victoria) Appelgate of Cincinnati, OH, and Rylee Appelgate of Para, OH, and her siblings; Barbara Sievers, David (Judy) Martens, and Sam (Susan) Martens. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Appelgate, and her brother-in-law, Dale Sievers.