Irving “Craig” Applen

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, February 23, 1949
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Age:
71 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, February 23, 1949
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Age:
71 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, February 23, 1949
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Age:
71 years old

Irving “Craig” Applen

Irving “Craig” Applen, 71, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020 surrounded by his family, at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester.

Craig was born on February 23, 1949 in Spring Valley, MN to Irving and Beatrice (Jerred) Applen. He was a 1967 graduate of Wykoff High School. In 1968 he joined the US Army and serviced two tours of duty in Vietnam. Following honorable discharge, he returned to Rochester and worked at Gauthier Industries. He then went to work for IBM until his retirement due to health issues. On June 30, 1973 he married the love of his life, Mary Winkels. Together, the couple enjoyed many adventures in life including, camping, four-wheeling, traveling, and most recently spending time at the cabin in Wisconsin.

He is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Mary, two children, Jeremy and Jennifer (Brent) Nohner, two grandchildren Chloe and Christian, his sister Linda (Jerry) Johnson, two brothers Neil (Karen) and Randy, his brother-in-law Dave Sunde, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim and Lynn and sister Kay Sunde and Janet (Lyle) Meyer.

There will be a private family gathering at a later date. Burial will be at the Preston, MN State Veterans Cemetery.

Craig’s family extends a special thank-you to the staff at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester.

Memorials are preferred to Seasons Hospice or donors choice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of Irving “Craig” Applen has received the following condolences.

Mary, Jeremy and Jennifer,


So many years and so many good memories with Craig. It's hard to imagine. For him to be a part of or wedding day was a blessing and special. The time we spent together playing cards, going out to dinner, New Years Eve parties, and being co-workers with Craig, and Rozana with you Mary, were great times. You have our deepest sympathy. God Bless you in your time of sorrow.


Roger and Rozana Roeder

So sorry to hear about Craig and send my deepest sympathy. Please know my thought and prayers are with you at this difficult time. ?

Mary and family, my heartfelt sympathy as you mourn the loss of your husband and father.  Your family will be in my prayers.

Mary and family we are so very sorry to hear about Criag's passing.  Please know that we are thinking of you and Craig's family at this sad time.  Our deepest Sympathy to all of you. 


Dean and Diane

Craig was the kindest person! We used to visit when we both worked at IBM and of course when he came into my family’s grocery store in Wykoff. I did not know he was ill and I am sad for your family. May his wonderful legacy and positive stories of love bring you peace.  Thinking of you all! ???


 

 "Irv" was a great person, our heartfelt wishes to you all. Mike and Nancy

Mary, Jeremy & Jennifer,


We would like to extend our sympathies to you all, in Craig's passing. May you find comfort in all of the memories you shared & have comfort in knowing that he is


watching from above. 


 


 

Mary and Family,


I am sending my Sympathy to you and praying you will find peace and comfort in your precious memories.  Life as you knew it will never be the same. God's Blessings during this difficult time. Karen

So sorry to hear of Irv’s passing. I worked with him at IBM for many years and there was always a laugh and smile when Irv was around. Rest In Peace my friend......Pam Burt ( Pfarr while at IBM)

To Mary and family,   Our deepest sympathy in hearing about Craig’s passing, you are in our thoughts and prayers  Joe and Janet Brinkman

Dear Mary and family, 


Jerry and I are so sorry to hear about Craig and send you our deepest sympathy. I am so sorry we didn’t get together as I had planned. Jerry loved talking with Craig about VietNam and life in general.Please know we are thinking about you at this difficult time and pray that you will remember all the great memories you two had with each other. Sending Love to you and your family.


Jerry and Susan Wegner

Mary and family,


You are in my thoughts during this difficult time.  It broke my heart hearing of Irv's (aka "Frank") passing.  He could always make me laugh and always had a story to tell, he was quite the character and I really missed him when he retired.  He was like my "work dad."  I don't remember how I got to calling him "Frank" but it stuck and I had a hard time ever calling him Irv.  I know Mary that you always got a kick out of this.  Big hugs to you all.


Jen Stewart


 

Mary our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family in the passing of Craig.


Randy and Sandy Doyle


 

I'm so sorry to hear of Irv's death.  Working with Irv at IBM I came to know of his health "adventures."  I was amazed at how positive Irv was about life in spite of all he went through and what he continued to encounter.  Wouldn't it be great if we could all be as accepting and yet optimistic as Irv was about the future.  Your family must be feeling a huge loss.  May God bless you all and may you find joy in remembering the happy times you shared with Irv.


Dave Reichert

Mary and family


My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very challenging time.?♥️. Sue

My condolences, go out to you and your adult children of your loss or death of Craig. Craig and i were school pals all though grade school and High school. We were biggy rat and ichy brother, some body gave us these nick names. Because we were , pretty much always hanging out together, he he. The good times we had as kids can't be taken away from one's memory. So sorry again of your loss. Lee Lange

Mary & Family Members,


We were saddened to learn of Craig’s passing.  We extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to you.


We are grateful and thankful for his dedicated years of military service.   He deeply loved all of you and he was committed to sharing his love with you.


The saying goes that when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that will watch over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you now have an Angel Craig, who will lovingly watch over you.


May the Good Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.  We have you and your family members in my thoughts and prayers.


Chuck, Sharon & Paul Ehler


Rushford, MN


 

Mary, our sympathies to you and your family at this very sad time.  Craig was a wonderful guy.  I hope your loving memories bring you comfort.  Know that he will always be with you.  Hugs to you.

Mary, I am so sorry to read about Craig's passing.  My thoughts are with you and your family.  Pat

Our hearts are heavy knowing how your family is grieving during this time of loss. God be with you as you comfort each other. 

Mary,  I just read about Irv, (Craig)  my heart goes out to you and your family. you will be in my heart and my prayers .  please take good care   he  is in a special place, and just wait until he see Helen again:) the heavens better look out ..    keep in touch when the time is right.. Love, Laurie

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So sorry for your loss. Love,  Charlie & Nancy Keller & family.

I am sorry to hear of this Mary and the family.  These days are long and tedious already.  May God bless you.

Dear Mary and family, Please know of our deepest sympathy and love. I am so sorry that we can't gather to give you hugs, share your tears and support you. Love, Hugs & Prayers from Nancy & Tom