John Appelman
John “Nelson” Appelman was the kind of man that would make anyone comfortable in a conversation. With many varied interests, there was always something to talk about and plenty of activities to keep him busy. Nelson was born April 30, 1949 in Lansing, MI to Nelson and Esther (Schmidt) Appelman. Growing up on a horse farm, they raised horses to race sulky carts. His love for animals continued into adulthood, as he raised Boxers with his all-time favorite rescue named Chance. All around town neighbors would often find him walking his dogs. His love for his kids and grandkids was evident as he was coaching little league, wrestling, baseball, football, and freestyle wrestling at Lakewood and Maple Valley Schools. He also served on the Lakewood Youth Wrestling board.
One of his greatest accomplishments was completing the DALMAC four times. He also collected many different things as an avid garage sale shopper with his wife. He was always looking for die-cast trucks and old signs. With a love of John Deere tractors, he found that a bigger yard meant he could get more and bigger tractors. Nelson worked as a food broker for C.E. Stehower, traveling to grocery stores throughout Michigan, and retired in 2015. He was an active member of Chester Gospel Church where he served on the board for many years. He also was a Sunday School Superintendent. He and his wife, Pam, along with his friends, Chris and Penny Brumm, were youth group leaders. Nelson and Chris also spent many evenings visiting those who were homebound.
Nelson died April 13, 2025 at the age of 75 from complications of a spinal cord injury from a slip and fall on ice January 11, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pam; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Shannon Appelman; daughter and son-in-law, Cassie and Matt Heinze; grandchildren, Kaelyn, Madi, Andrew, Brock, Brandon, and Braxton; along with a sister, Karla Terpening. He was predeceased by twin infant daughters; grandson, Brenden Bell; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Appelman family by attending services or sharing memories on Nelson’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, April 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, April 18, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Weeks and Pastor Matt Rhody officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Nelson’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
