Joseph F. Appelhans, 81, of Poplar Grove, died at 10:55 P.M. Monday, November 24, 2008, in Maple Crest Care Center following a lengthy illness. He was born January 7, 1927, in Olwein, IA, the son of John and Elizabeth Erhart Appelhans. On December 16, 1950, Joseph married Fay G. Hamachek in Chicago. Joseph was an account representative with People's Gas Co. in Chicago for 33 years and served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He was a member of Poplar Grove United Methodist Church, the Poplar Grove Lions Club, served on the fishing committee at Candlewick Lake, and was a member of the Candlewick Flames Over-Fifty Club; he enjoyed fishing and was known as the "Crappie King." Joseph was an avid Cubs and Packers fan.Survivors include his wife, Fay; five sons, Gary (Barb) of Poplar Grove, Randy (Maria), of Flower Mound, TX, Brett (Lisa) and Darryl (Lori) of Marengo, and Dru (Billie) of Poplar Grove; 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters and 2 brothers.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.