Vivian A. (Hammerschmidt) Appelhans of Hoxie, Kansas passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the Sheridan County Health Complex at the age of 80.
Vivian was born to Edward and Pauline (Braun)
Hammerschmidt on May 18, 1941, in rural Ellis County, Kansas. Vivian was
the second of nine children. Vivian grew up on the family farm north
of Catherine, Kansas. She attended Lost Canyon Country School through
eighth grade and Victoria High School graduating with the class of 1959.
On August 13, 1960, in Victoria, Kansas, Vivian was united in marriage
to Ralph Joseph Appelhans. Vivian and Ralph lived in Commerce City,
Colorado, for a few months and then moved to Menlo, Kansas. Vivian and
Ralph owned and operated the Menlo Pool Hall for a few years. Vivian
did day care in her home for several of the local families. In October
of 1981, Ralph died at a very young age from head injuries caused by a
car accident, leaving Vivian a very young widow and four children to
raise. Vivian moved her family to Hoxie, Kansas in May of 1982 where
she worked and resided for the remainder of her life.
Vivian was never an idle person. She went to work for the Sheridan
County Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher, worked at Hungry Farmer and
Short Stop until going to the Sheridan County Health Complex to work in
their kitchen until she retired. Vivian was an EMT for many years
serving Sheridan County. In the past several years, Vivian was a
Sheridan County volunteer for Hospice of Northwest Kansas. She enjoyed
cooking for large crowds and always had delicious meals. Vivian loved
to quilt and crochet making many beautiful things for family and
friends. She was a member of the Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
and Sodality. Vivian was a giving person always willing to help someone
out. Vivian loved her family and enjoyed when they came to visit.
Family was extremely important to her and her most valued treasure.
Vivian is survived by her children, Allan Appelhans of Hoxie,
Kansas; Beverly Appelhans of Colby, Kansas; Chris Appelhans and wife
Lori of Hays, Kansas and Danny Appelhans and significant other, Missy
Cogdill of Friona, Texas; brothers and sisters, Virginia Dinkel of Hays,
Kansas, Verlin Hammerschmidt of Victoria, Kansas, Vinard Hammerschmidt
and wife Renita of Tennessee, Valery Hammerschmidt and wife Linda of
Victoria, Kansas, Vernon Hammerschmidt of Victoria, Kansas;
grandchildren, Cole Appelhans, Brett Appelhans, (Lydia Hynek) Aubry
Appelhans, (Kyle Hull) and Clayton Appelhans; great-grandchildren, Owen
Appelhans and Layla Appelhans; extended family; and many good friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Appelhans; parents,
Edward and Pauline Hammerschmidt; infant sister, Vera Hammerschmidt;
brothers, Valerian Hammerschmidt and Virgil Hammerschmidt;
sisters-in-law, Christie Hammerschmidt and Glenda Hammerschmidt; and
brother-in-law, Kenny Dinkel.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, September 6, 2021,
10:30 A.M. at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church with interment to
immediately follow the service in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic
Cemetery, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 5
2021 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. with family receiving friends from
5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. with the Rosary and Vigil Service to begin
following the visitation at 6:30 P.M. all at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral
Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Health Complex or St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of comfort and care may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com