Paul Vern Applegarth

July 22, 1919-May 13, 2011

PALISADE, Nebraska -- Paul Vern Applegarth, 91, died Friday (May 13, 2011) at Heritage of Wauneta, Nebraska.

He was born July 22, 1919, in Haxtun, Colorado to Albert and Effie (Kinzie) Applegarth. He attended rural school south of Haxtun and later at Zell rural school west of Wauneta after the family had moved to Nebraska.

As a child, he baptized and became a member of the Church of the Brethren on Oct. 2, 1932, in Haxtun. After moving to Nebraska, the family attended the Church of the Brethren in Enders.

He worked for various farmers until he entered the U.S. Army in December 1942 as a rifleman in the infantry in the European African Campaign. He was wounded twice in battle, was reported missing in action and later the family was notified that he was a prisoner of war. He received the Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, a Bronze Star and a Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army in October 1945.

After he was discharged from the armed services, he returned home to farm. He married Donna Fanning on Aug. 21, 1946, in Oberlin, Kansas. To this union two sons were born. The couple attended church at the Hamlet Union Church for several years before making the United Methodist Church in Wauneta their church home.

He trained and worked horses in his younger years. He worked on the farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Effie Applegarth; sister, Winifred Fanning; and brothers, Blaine, Lee and Rex Applegarth.

Paul is survived by his wife, Donna of Palisade; sons, Steven and wife, Carole Applegarth of Greeley, Colorado, and Kurt and wife, Janet Applegarth of Palisade; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at United Methodist Church of Wauneta with the Rev. Bonnie McCord officiating. Burial is in Riverside Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation is Monday, 5-7 p.m., at Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta.

Memorials are being accepted in his name.

Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.