Roy Ellis Appelt

Roy Ellis Appelt was born June 22, 1945, at Ainsworth, NE, to Jack E. and Lois V. (Stone) Appelt. He passed away on January 15, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Atkinson, NE.

When Roy was a child, he and his family lived five miles west of Meadville, NE. Around 1950, they moved to the south side of the river, where they farmed and raised cattle and hogs.

Roy attended school in Meadville. After finishing school, he started farming and ranching with his family. Roy enjoyed hunting and fishing of all sorts. Above all else, he enjoyed a good John Deere tractor and a Ford pickup.

Roy retired in 1993 and moved to Springview, NE. He enjoyed helping friends and neighbors and seldom missed a day with the “coffee club” at the Turbine Mart. Roy enjoyed all the stories that were swapped around the table.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lois; his brother, Max Appelt; his sister, Judy Kopejtka; and his brother-in-law, Al Kopejtka. He leaves to mourn his sister, Sharon Appelt of Atkinson; and sister-in-law, Ann Appelt of Ainsworth; along with nieces, nephews, and a host of friends who will miss his smile and wave.

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth with Pastor Gary Graesser officiating at the event. The CD Selections of “River Of Glory” by Dan Schutte, “Shall We Gather At The River” by Gaither and “Who’s Gonna Feed Them Hogs” by Tom T. Hall. Special remarks were given by Rod Palmer, Rod Gierau and Steve Hallock. Honorary Urn Bearers were: All of Roy’s Family & Friends. A Private Family Inurnment will occur in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Springview at a later date. Memorials were suggested to the Meadville Cultural and Historical Society in Roy’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.