Michael Lane Appelgate, 56

Michael “Mike” Lane Appelgate, 56, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Sunday, April 2nd, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at the American Legion Golf Course, 1301 S. 6th Street Marshalltown, IA, on Saturday, May 13th, 2023, from 2PM-8PM in the lower level. The Time of Remembrance will be at 2:30 p.m.

Mike was born at Andrews Airforce Base in Maryland on August 13th, 1966, to Merlyn LeRoy and Connie Rae Martens Appelgate. He grew up on his parents’ farm near Garwin, Iowa and graduated from Garwin High School in 1985. He enjoyed playing football and baseball throughout his school years. Mike sang in the high school chorus and the Marshalltones; he played trumpet and, of course, enjoyed golfing, bowling, and fishing with friends and family. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business management from Central College in Pella, IA, 1989.

Mike married Lisa Daters on August 20th, 1994. They welcomed Regan in January 1997, Conner in March 1998, and Rylee in January 2001 to complete their family, with future additions of their furry friends, Harley, Leo, and Rocky. He enjoyed many activities with his wife and kids, including vacationing in Mexico, watching movies (Shawshank Redemption, Titanic, Lonesome Dove, for example), discussing politics, listening to music, playing cards, golfing, bowling, playing catch, and supporting their hobbies and sports interests. He was a loving husband and incredibly amazing dad, who often expressed how proud he was of his family and kids.

Mike started his career in retail as a store director of Econofoods in Marshalltown, IA, and continued at other locations throughout the state. In 2000, he began a lengthy career with Target, where he advanced from store manager in Cedar Rapids, IA and Wichita, KS, to district manager in Sioux Falls, SD. After other retail endeavors in Cleveland, OH, including district manager of Dick’s Sporting Goods, he pursued his newest passion of carpentry with his best friend, Doug Kreutzer.

Mike could often be found smiling with a cigar, enjoying a Stella and Guinness over a card game (such as cribbage or poker) following a day of golfing at Auburn Hills with his friends, father and son. Mike’s sense of humor defined him and his smile and laugh lit up the room. He was larger than life, meant the world to those who love him, and will be missed immensely.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lisa Chantelle Appelgate; daughter, Regan Kylene Appelgate, son, Conner William Appelgate, and daughter Rylee Grace Appelgate; parents Merlyn and Connie Appelgate; best friend Doug (Dena) Kreutzer and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Leroy and Gladys James Appelgate, and maternal grandparents Elmer and Esther Martens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.