Leona M. Appelhanz

OBITUARY: Leona M. Appelhanz
Leona Mae Appelhanz, 91, Topeka, died Thurs., May 5, 2011. She was born Dec. 4, 1919, at Paxico, the daughter of Adolph and Ellen Zeferjahn. She had attended Topeka High School. Leona was a meat wrapper in Topeka for 40 years. She was a member of the YMCA and Gage Bowling League. She had been a leader in Brownie Scouts and the 4-H; and went on many outings with the retired teachers association. Leona enjoyed sewing and crocheted countless afghan blankets. Leona and Adam loved to garden and sell produce at the farmers' market. They attended many auctions and collected antiques. Leona was married to Adam Jacob Appelhanz on Aug. 28, 1939. He preceded her in death on July 31, 2010. She was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Ridge Read; and two brothers: Kenneth and Leonard Zeferjahn. Surviving are a daughter: Debby Gilliam of Topeka; a brother: Elmer Zeferjahn of Topeka; 2 sisters: Eleanor Abel of Topeka and Betsy Bishop of Hiawatha; 3 grandchildren: Randy Read of Rossville, Laura Kochenower of Olathe, and Justin Read of K.C., MO; and 4 great-grandchildren: Flint Kochenower, Paige Kochenower, Morgan Read, and Dalamar Read. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Tues., May 10, 2011, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave. Interment in Mount Calvary Cemetery. A wake service will be at 7:00 PM, Mon., at the funeral chapel. Leona will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Mon., at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Children's Discovery Center Outdoor Learning Environment in Gage Park, 4400 SW Tenth, Topeka, KS 66604.