Tena M. Appelhons

Tena M. Appelhons, 79, of Crystal Lake passed away Thursday, September 20, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Tena, the daughter of John and Gladys Smit, was born April 18, 1922, in Kanawha, Iowa.  She attended school in Kanawha and Crystal Lake.

Tena was united in marriage with Jacob G. Appelhons on December 2, 1939, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, to this union three children were born.  For a number of years the couple farmed in the Britt and Crystal Lake area.  Tena was later employed by Winnebago Industries until her retirement in 1985.

Tena's greatest treasure in life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was actively involved in their lives and activities.

Those thankful for sharing in her life are: son, Robert Appelhons and his wife, Jacquelin of Forest City; two daughters, Judy Janssen of Clear Lake and Jeanne Tollagson and her husband, Wayne of Crystal Lake; eight grandchildren; thirteen grandchildren; two sisters Lillian Charbonneaux and her husband, Roy of Britt and Vera Hinz and her husband, Herb of Charles City, as well as many nieces, nephews, and in laws.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jake; her parents; step-father Floyd Anderson; brother Larry Anderson; sister Helen Lee, and grandson Rory Janssen.