Arthur Claude Applin, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away in his home on March 22, 2016.
Art was born on October 2, 1922 to Fred and Mary Applin in Iron River, Michigan, as one of 16 children. He grew up on the family farm and delighted his family with wonderful stories of his youthful pranks.
Art served in the USACC in WWII, as a tail gunner in a B-24 in the European theater. He was Staff Sergeant. He flew 52 missions, despite only 25 missions being required. Some of his stories are recorded in Stephen Ambrose’s book: The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s over Germany 1944-45. He received an air medal and four oak leaf clusters and various other awards.
After the war, Art married Anne Marie Polich in Caspian, Michigan on 11/29/1945 and moved to Helena. He worked as an electrical engineer for Mountain Bell Telephone Company for 27 years.
Art was preceded in death by his two grown children, Stephen Applin and Debbie Applin. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Anne Applin and his three children: Cheryl Hanson (Kirk), Jeff Applin (Elaine) and Kirk Applin and also his grandchildren: Christy and Eric Applin and Kirsten and Kevin Hanson and his new great granddaughter, Elsie. He also has a surviving sister, Geraldine Schober(Joseph) and a sister-in-law, Betty Applin, both of Michigan.
He was an extremely talented carpenter and built custom furniture for family and friends. As his wife often said: “He had sawdust in his veins.”
He was a loving, supportive husband, father and grandparent.
Dad and Gramps, you will be deeply missed and know you are and will always be so loved.
Graveside services will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison on Monday/March 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Memorials in lieu of flowers suggested to National Multiple Sclerosis Society or American Heart Association. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Art.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 28, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 28, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Mary Runkel says
Dear Anne, Cheryl, and family
May all of your memories give you comfort at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Carol Bridge says
Dear Anne and family, Many fond memories of Art as my supervisor at the Telephone Company whatever name that was at the time. He was a kind and wonderful man, seemed very patient teaching me about the job, however adding his comments that were sometimes hilarious. I am sure he left all of you with loving memories to share for your entire lifetime, especially Anne. Blessings to all of you. Carol Bridge
Jinny English says
Dear Cheryl, Kirk, Kirsten and Kevin,
It is a sad time to lose a dad and grandpa and I was sorry to see the news while in Helena this week. Kirsten and Kevin, you were the apples of his eyes..I know how crazy he was about you both and how proud he was of you both and your Mom and Dad. Knowing he was getting nearer his time to go and that he is in a better place doesn’t make it easier when it happens. I hope that you and all of your family and Grandma Anne have some quiet family time to share stories and tears as you celebrate his life. Love Jinny
Ellen Osborne ( McGonigal ) says
Deepest condolences, Art was a wonderful man & great friend to my Dad & our family. Peace to you all at this difficult time.
American Heart Association says
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Jeane Didriksen says
Dear Elaine & family, I hope you know you’re being thought about, and hope you find comfort in knowing that your Dad and all he meant to you will remain in your hearts forever. I’ll always cherish the walks we made past his home everyday. I love the “outhouse tissue box” he made for the cabin in Lincoln. No words seem adequate, my friends. Love, Jeane Didriksen
Nels Wilkins says
My condolences to the Applin family.
Jim & Leslie Last says
Auntie Anne and Kids,
I was really saddened my the news of Uncle Claude’s passing. I’m thankful that Kirk was able to get Uncle Claude and Auntie Anne to Milwaukee to visit mom (Eleanor) and us. My thoughts and prayers are with you in hopes that you find comfort knowing he went to a better place. I wish we could be there for you.
WIth love
Jim & Leslie Last
Ellie (Mayala) Osborne says
My heart and prayers go out to all the family members of a great man.
Lynn & Ken Brown says
Kirk,
Our love and prayers go out to your family members.
Lynn & Ken Brown says
Our love and prayers to you, Kirk.