Richard Dean Appleman

Richard Dean Appleman, age 71, of La Farge, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at Emplify Health in La Crosse. He was born on March 2, 1955, to Henry and Phyllis Appleman (Clark).

He graduated from La Farge High School. He worked for Webster and Harmony Townships and for a house assessment company, but farming was his passion. Richard was united in marriage on June 5, 1976, to Kathy (Brickl) Appleman. He was good at fixing anything big or small, especially that old piece of machinery.

Richard bought Ira Smith's Farm in March of 1981 and sold it in April of 1993. He became certified organic dairy in 2001, bought the family farm in 2002 and continued to farm along with his family and parents. He raised tobacco, and bought beef cattle in 2004. Richard enjoyed listening to music on the radio especially "Old Time Music", Garden Talk, and Prime Mover. He was also musically talented and could play keyboard and guitar by ear. In 2012, Richard sold his dairy cows, which gave him the time to visit and watch his grandkids grow up, when they were on the farm playing. He was a storyteller and loved to rekindle the past.

Richard is survived by his wife, Kathy; his son, Brandon; his daughter, Danielle; his grandchildren, Daegan; Katlynn and Lillian; his siblings, Judy Ledman, Gail Wallace and Brian Appleman. Also many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Phyllis Appleman and his brothers-in-law, James Ledman and Darwin Wallace.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 12pm -3 pm with special prayer at 1:30 pm at Vosseteig Funeral Home in La Farge.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any favorite organization.

A special thank you goes out to Jason Mowery, RN of Emplify Hospice and neighbors Gordon Nemec, Jim Martin, Zerna Zellmer, Johnny Young and Joseph Miller.

Vosseteig Funeral Home in La Farge is serving Richard's family.

203 N State Street

La Farge, WI 54639

(608) 625-4244