Mary E. Applekamp, 77, passed away Thursday evening, June 4, 2015, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood.

Mary was born June 8, 1937, in Paulding to Cecelia and Kasmier Dembroski, and later adopted by Mildred and Lewis Swanson of Paulding. On June 18, 1955, she married Earl W. Applekamp, after graduating from Ewen-Trout Creek High School, and they resided in Topaz.  They were blessed with "five little peppers", as she would say: Earl (Sheila), Scott (Gail), Sandra (Jack) Thatcher, Steven (Tracy), and Sherry (Kraig) Courtney; twelve darling grand babies: Emily & Laramy, Alex, Andrew & Austin, Lucas, Nicole & Joey, Cody & Jordan, and Michael & Kaitlin.

There was never a doubt about the deep love and pride she has for her family. Mary is the woman that everyone loved to know.  Her smile warms your heart, as well as her generous, unconditional love and kindness.  Her faith in God is strong and unwavering.  This "cool cat" Gramma loves her grand babies and darlin' darlin's.  This wonderful lady's laughter will stay in our hearts forever.

Mary loved building puzzles, crocheting, knitting, reading, art painting, driving 4-wheeler to camp and "My Favorite Place," gardening, and playing Aggravation.  She would challenge any one to play Aggravation, and usually would win!  We will remember her joyful spirit forever.

Mary had 12 siblings, and 5 of them are with us today: Beverly Roehm, Bonnie Hannemann, Ethel Blixt, Clifford Dembroski, and Larry Cunningham.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 11, 2015 from 9-11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland. Funeral Services will begin at 11 a.m., and will be followed by burial in the Lakeview Cemetery of Bergland. The Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel is assisting the family.