Bart Appleton
Bart Appleton, 63, loving husband, father, and grandfather, devoted Christ-follower, hunting dog lover, fisherman, casual guitarist, lifelong educator, everyone’s coach, a friend to all, died of natural causes on Friday, April 28th in Decorah, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am Saturday, May 6, at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. The family will greet friends at a coffee reception to follow. Bart loved his people—all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that memorial contributions be made to Lutheran World Relief. If you would like to notify the family of donations made in Bart’s name, please enter the email bartmaryappleton@gmail.com upon donation. At a later date this summer, a celebration of Bart’s life will be held with food, music, and time to share stories. More information to come.
Bart was born in Fort Dodge, and grew up running and biking the streets of Dayton, building many memories with his parents Albert and Jacquelyne and siblings Alfie, Donnie, and Mindy. Their origin of love and family is one that grounded Bart in being a goofy, selfless, and amazing dad.
While working as a summer camp counselor at Riverside Bible Camp in 1982, Bart met Mary Heimdal, who quickly became the love of his life, best friend, adventure partner, and wife of 38 years.
In 1988, Bart and Mary welcomed their first son Luke, followed by their daughter Leah in 1990, and son Caleb in 1998. As a dad, Bart was known for creating play and laughter, giving the best advice, bringing calm in the unsteady, and never missing the opportunity to support and cheer on his kids. He loved his two granddaughters, Emersyn and Lynden, adoringly, and his bedtime stories, adventurous spirit, and unconditional love will live on in them forever.
Everyone who was blessed to know Bart will remember his warmth, selflessness, humility, inclusivity, and love. At family gatherings, he could most often be found making, serving, or cleaning up after a meal, the favorite being his homemade grilled pizzas. Whether through an encouraging text, an impromptu song on the guitar, an engulfing hug, or his booming cheers from the sidelines, Bart‘s greatest legacy was the loyalty and love he shared with all of his family and friends. His deep-rooted faith not only sustained him and drove his desire for inclusivity and justice, but also inspired and blessed so many people through the course of his life.
Though the people in his life always took priority, Bart’s favorite places included the Kinnickinnic River in Wisconsin, the Heimdal family farm in Iowa, any trout steam in Colorado, and Stony Lake in Hackensack, Minnesota.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Mary; his three children, Luke (Kendra), Leah, and Caleb (Ashley); two granddaughters, Emersyn and Lynden; his brother, Alfie (Lucila), sister, Mindy (Mike); stepmother, Pat; and a host of extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bart was preceded into eternal life by his parents, Albert and Jacquelyne Appleton and brother, Don Appleton.
