Rudolph Milan Applequist, 81, of Crookston, passed away peacefully on Sunday—his most restful of day of the week—February 16, 2025 at the Villa St. Vincent. He was born September 11, 1943. “Rudy” as he was lovingly called, along with his twin sister Judy were the oldest of seven children of the union of Rudolph Andrew Applequist and Marjorie Lorraine (Rustad) Appplequist. He was raised and always lived on a farm southeast of Crookston, Minnesota.
Rudy was baptized and confirmed at Hafslo Lutheran Church in rural Crookston and began the first four years of education at District #75 Country School near the farm and continued at Fertile-Beltrami School, graduating in 1961. While in High School, he was very active in FFA. At the age of 9 he joined the Who’s Who 4H club. His projects were hogs, cattle, gardening and crops. Rudy was also a member of the National Guard.
Farming was Rudy’s life, and he along with his brother Howard continued to expand and improve farming methods. Though he never married, family was everything to him, after the death of his parents, he raised his three youngest siblings – Janine, Jacalyn, and Aaron. He enjoyed family time playing games, cards, and dominos. He was an avid reader, especially the Bible in every version. On Sundays he would attend at least two different church services.
Rudy is lovingly survived by his sisters; Judith Magsam (Jerold Sandberg), Janine Applequist (Tim Badly), Jacalyn Clark (Robert). Nieces and nephews; Rhonda Magsam Amundson (Larry) and Crystal Amundson (Jesse Ingebretson), Geffrey Magsam (Lillie) and Alyshea Nelson (Nick) and Bentley and Everett Nelson and Garrett Magsam, Gwendolyn Applequist Feist (Dale), Lee Applequist (Tiara) and Oliver, Evelyn, Eden, Esther Applequist, Cami Applequist, Cori Applequist, Laura Clark (David Meyer) and Alaster Jewitt. Sisters-in-law; Connie Applequist, Pamela Applequist. Rudy will be missed for his always thinking, never saying until the time was right, and his deep unsaid way of caring.
Rudy was preceded in death by; his parents Rudolph (1962) and Marjorie (1961). Brothers; Aaron Applequist (2012), Richard Applequist (2019), Howard Applequist (2021). Nephew; Robert “Andy” Clark (2020). Uncles; Melvin Applequist, John Applequist. Brother-in-law; George Magsam. Grandmother; Mabel Rustad and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Forever treasured be the memories of Rudy Applequist. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hafslo Cemetery Association.
There will be a memorial service to celebrate Rudy’s life in Fisher, MN at the Fisher Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM, and the service at 2:00 PM. Please join the family for fellowship and refreshments following the service, burial will take place at a later date in the Spring. Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
