Jeanne M. Appleman

Jeanne M. Appleman, a former teacher and school librarian in the Port Washington-Saukville School District, passed away March 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Horizon’s Lawlis Family Hospice.

Jeanne was born in Whitewater, Wis., on July 18, 1926, to William and Bertha Krueger.

She grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater State Teachers College (now the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater) with a bachelor of education degree in teaching commercial subjects.

Her professional teaching career began as a business teacher in Union Grove, Wis. She later obtained library certification from UW-Milwaukee. Throughout her life, she worked to instill a love of reading in her students, her grandchildren and any child who needed a bit of extra attention to learn the joy of reading.

Jeanne grew up on a farm and believed her love of animals began there. She was fortunate to live in a college town, and after starting college she was additionally fortunate to meet fellow student Verne Appleman. They married on July 31, 1949.

Verne’s career brought them to Port Washington, where they lived the rest of their married life.

During Mrs. Appleman’s career with the Port Washington-Saukville School District, she worked as the librarian for each of the elementary schools. She then retired in 1987 following a number of years as the librarian at Lincoln Elementary School.

After retirement, Jeanne and Verne escaped Wisconsin winters by spending time in their Arizona home.

Verne preceded her in death on Nov. 11, 1993.

Jeanne enjoyed square dancing with her husband and camping with her family as part of the Lakeland Family “Jolly” Campers.

Jeanne was proud of her membership and leadership roles in organizations including the Jaycettes, Ozaukee County Area Retired Educators, WREA, the Port Washington Senior Center and Port Washington Historical Society, where she was a charter member.

She enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge and sheepshead. Her later years were brightened by daily visits from her “grand-dog” Penne. Her neighbors grew accustomed to seeing Jeanne and Penne on their way to walk the bike trail or enjoying the view from the bluff.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband Verne, her parents, sisters Irene Krueger and Lorraine Willett and daughter Alyce Appleman.

She is survived by two daughters, Darcy (Brett) Jarman of Stevens Point, Wis., and Lori (Todd) Hayes of Port Washington, Wis.; grandchildren Brad Hayes of Madison, Wis., Abbey Galler (Nicholas) of Plover, Wis., Conner Hayes of Port Washington, Wis.; and nieces and nephews.

Jeanne will be laid to rest beside her husband in a private family service at Union Cemetery in Port Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jeanne to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington or Horizon’s Lawlis Family Hospice.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at Ellen’s Home of Port Washington, Aurora Medical Center in Grafton and Horizon’s Lawlis Family Hospice.