Eugene L. Applequist

Eugene L. Applequist, 83, of Montgomery, IL passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and four daughters. Gene was born on January 13, 1927 in Aurora, IL. He graduated from West Aurora High School in 1945. He enlisted in the Navy in 1945 during World War II where he served on the Medic Corp until 1946; and was a proud member of the American Legion for over 60 years. He married Louise (Baker) Applequist from Plano, IL on June 18, 1948. He worked for the Burlington Railroad, was Superintendent of the Montgomery Stockyards, owned a Livestock Commission Firm at the Chicago Stockyards, and was CEO of Applequist Cattle Company until his retirement. Gene and Louise spent many years traveling to South Dakota, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah where they would help gather and then broker the range cattle with the ranchers. Gene loved to tell stories of their travels; he was a cowboy at heart. Gene was an avid golfer and looked forward to playing with his wife and daughter, Mary. He also loved when all his girls and their families would gather for dinners and family time together. His family meant the world to him. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years Louise Applequist, his four daughters Vicki (Darrell) Chally of Aurora, IL, Nancy (Bill) Kuhfus of Dixon, IL, Anita Holmgren of Springfield, IL and Mary Applequist of Montgomery, IL. His grandchildren Todd (Amy) Chally of Round Rock, TX and Amy Chally of Aurora, Stacey (Jeff) Vroman of Sterling, IL, Tera (Dan) McLain of Sterling, IL, Matthew (Jill) Kuhfus of Naperville, IL, Katie (Justin) Heckelsberg of Land O' Lakes, FL, and Lindsay (Jeremy) Venturini of Springfield, IL and six great-grandchildren David, Daniel, Rachel, Matthew, Hannah and Benjamin Vroman. His brother, Robert Applequist of Mountain Home, AR and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Catherine Applequist and his sister Marion Miller. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, March 26, 2010 at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl. Aurora with Joe Dunham officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or Vitas Innovative Hospice Care. A special thank you to Dr. Raheem and the staff at the Cancer Care Center at the Mercy Dreyer Medical Clinic. We will be forever grateful for the kindness shown to him during his illness.