John Dennis Applen

John Dennis Applen, 65,of Eyota passed away August 21, 2014 at Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Mary’s Campus.

John was born February 18, 1949 in Rochester to Donald and Viola (Howard) Applen.  He attended schools in Chatfield, graduating from Chatfield High School in 1967.  He attended RCTC and later enrolled in the Rochester vo-tech program to become a Chef.

In 1969 he married Carol Ann Bale at Chatfield Lutheran Church.    Following college he worked as a Chef at Michaels in Rochester for a couple of years before entering dairy farming in 1974.

The couple made their home in Eyota.  They worked together raising a family and running a dairy operation, along with cash crop farming in Orion and Eyota Townships.

John enjoyed his old cars, going to car shows,  watching drag racing and NASCAR.  He  enjoyed cooking many meals for his family.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years Carol, daughters Christine Pressnall (Eddie Brereton), of Chatfield and Catherine (Scott) Baker of Preston. Mother Viola Applen of Eyota ,Brother Dwayne (Pat) Applen of Hot Springs, SD ,and  sister-in-law Eloise Applen of Rochester also survive. Five grandchildren also survive: Benjamin Pressnall, Gavin Pressnall, Ashley Baker, Mikayla Baker, and Jared Baker.

John was preceded in death by his father Donald, infant brother Conrad “Stevie”, and brother Larry.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 26th  at Chatfield Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Docken officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Monday, August 25, 2014 at the Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield and one hour before the service at the church.   A committal service will take place at Orion Cemetery in rural Chatfield.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements, 507-867-4310. rileyfuneralhomes.com.