S.J. Applehans

Sylvester "S.J." Applehans, age 90 of Hays, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2013 at his home in Hays. He was born January 30, 1923 in Pfeifer, Kansas to John Appalhans and Rosa Schmidtberger. He was a 1940 graduate of Hays High School and a graduate of Saint Josephs Military College in 1942. He entered the United States Army Air Corps serving as a B 29 Bomber mechanic in the Marshall Islands on Kwajalein.

After his military service he attended Worshan College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, ILL. He returned to Hays and worked at Brocks Funeral Chapel. He married Doris Walters April 19, 1948. S.J. became co owner with James Gustin of Brocks North Hill Chapel in 1957 until his retirement. He continued service as a monument salesman for Stockton Monuments of Stockton, KS. and later for Schmidt Monuments in Hays.

He was a charter member of Saint Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, and certified Lay Leader of Prayer. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, St. Nicholas of Myra council 10044 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, Perpetual Adorer, and a member of the Hays VFW.

S.J. is survived by his wife, Doris of Hays; sons, Allen Applehans and wife Apryl of Yuma, AZ., Gary Applehans of Springfield, MO; a daughter, Lois Applehans of Oklahoma City, OK; a sister, Joan Walters of Tulsa, OK; 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren, 16 step great grandchildren; 1 great-great step grandchild, a niece and 3 nephews. He is also survived by his extended family James Tidball and Karen Smith Applehans.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Elmer and his wife Eleanor and a brother-in-law Clarence Walters.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 2, 2013 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery with Military Honors by the Hays VFW.

Visitation will be Sunday 4 PM 8 PM and Monday 9 AM 9:30 AM all at Brocks North Hill Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS. 67601.

There will be an Adoration Chapel Adorers Rosary Sunday at 4 PM, A Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 5:30 PM, a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 PM followed by a parish vigil service at 7 PM all at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Church, Holy Family Elementary, HaysMed Hospice or Ellis County Cancer Council.











Service Information









Visitation Sunday

September 1, 2013

4:00 PM to 8:00 PM



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601









Funeral Service Monday

September 2, 2013

10:00 AM

St. Nicholas of Myra

2901 e. 13th street

hays, ks 67601