Mary Elizabeth (Dembroski, Swanson) Applekamp

BERGLAND, Mich. - Mary Elizabeth (Dembroski, Swanson) Applekamp, 77, passed away Thursday evening, June 4, 2015, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood.

Mary was born June 8, 1937, in Paulding, to Cecelia and Kasmier Dembroski, and later adopted by Mildred and Lewis Swanson, of Paulding. On June 18, 1955, she married Earl W. Applekamp, after graduating from Ewen-Trout Creek High School, and they resided in Topaz. They were blessed with "five little peppers," as she would say: Earl (Sheila), Scott (Gail), Sandra (Jack) Thatcher, Steven (Tracy), and Sherry (Kraig) Courtney; 12 darling grand babies, Emily and Laramy, Alex, Andrew and Austin, Lucas, Nicole and Joey, Cody and Jordan, and Michael and Kaitlin.

There was never a doubt about the deep love and pride she has for her family. Mary is the woman that everyone loved to know. Her smile warms your heart, as well as her generous, unconditional love and kindness. Her faith in God is strong and unwavering. This "cool cat" Gramma loves her grand babies and darlin' darlin's. This wonderful lady's laughter will stay in our hearts forever.

Mary loved building puzzles, crocheting, knitting, reading, art painting, driving four-wheelers to camp and "My Favorite Place," gardening, and playing Aggravation. She would challenge any one to play Aggravation, and usually would win. We will remember her joyful spirit forever.

Mary had 12 siblings, and five of them are with us today: Beverly Roehm, Bonnie Hannemann, Ethel Blixt, Clifford Dembroski and Larry Cunningham.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 11, 2015, from 9 to11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Bergland. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., and will be followed by burial in the Lakeview Cemetery of Bergland. The Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel is assisting the family.

Friends may leave messages of remembrance at canefuneralhome.com.