Delores L. Applen

Delores Lavern Applen died peacefully in the early hours of June 23, 2024, at the age of 95. Delores was born on December 30, 1928, to John and Minnie Angeloff in Iron River, Michigan. She had two brothers, John and Geno Angeloff, and a sister Elsie (Lloyd) Hazel. When Delores graduated from High School, she got a job with Western Union and went to Indiana to attend school for training. Her job then took her to Rochester, Minnesota where she met George Cassidy at the Play-mor Ballroom. They were married on October 9, 1948. Together they had seven children and farmed just east of Rochester. They divorced in 1970.
After her divorce, Delores worked as a waitress at the Kahler Hotel, and later switched to a housekeeping job at The Guest House where she met Bob Applen. She and Bob were married on June 8, 1979, and took up residence in Viola, Minnesota. During that time, she worked at Barlow Foods as a pie baker. Even prior to that she was an awesome baker and made many delicious goodies, among them were her elaborately decorated Doll Cakes. After she retired from Barlow's she took a job assisting the elderly. The couple moved to Rochester, and she finally retired in earnest to enjoy her many hobbies.
Delores loved music. She had a beautiful voice, played the harmonica and enjoyed being a member of the Rochester Kitchen Band for many years. She was very creative and loved to draw, paint, and sew. She was a member of the Viola Gopher Gal's quilting group and created many bed quilts ranging from mini size to king-size.
A friend to all who knew her, Delores was honored to be chosen the Grand Marshall Queen of the 2022 Viola Gopher Count Annual Parade.
Delores is preceded in death by Bob Applen, George Cassidy, her parents, siblings, a grandson Tony Birkholtz and daughter in law Ginny Murphy. She is survived by children Tom (Carol) Cassidy, Dan (Wanda) Cassidy, Marcia (Frank Greco) Cassidy, Mark (Cindy) Cassidy, Judy (Tina Duquette) Cassidy, Paul Cassidy, and Rick Cassidy. Grandchildren Jackie Cassidy, John (Denise) Cassidy, Ben Cassidy, Brianna (Zhenyu Lu) Cassidy, and Lauren Greco. Great-grandchildren Ty Cassidy and Breck Cassidy.
Delores was a devoted mother, kind, patient, and generous of heart- and had a great sense of humor. She gave to the community helping those who were less-advantaged.
A bright light in many people's hearts, she will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with reception to follow. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the chapel.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.