Clarine M. (Everson) Bragg Appell, age 93 of Mt. Horeb, formerly of Gratiot, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Ingleside Manor in Mt. Horeb. She was born July 18, 1923 at her home in Gratiot the daughter of Harry and Ada (Skolrood) Everson, Sr. Clare graduated from Gratiot High School and then went on to attend college in Rockford, Ill., for a year. She was united in marriage to Harrison G. Bragg on Sept.17, 1960 at West Wiota Lutheran Church in Wiota. After Harrison’s passing Clare married Jack Appell in July of 1989. She lived in Gratiot most of her life where she worked at her family’s hardware store and later at Gratiot State Bank until her retirement. Upon her retirement, she and her husband Jack enjoyed the warm weather of Arizona and Florida during the winter months.
Clare is survived by one daughter: Joan (Bob) Johnson of Barneveld; one son: Chuck (Claudia Mueffelman) Bragg of Eagan, Minn.; five step-children: Connie (Michael) Sullivan, Tom (Joy) Appell, Mark (Christina) Appell, Jim (Nancy) Appell, and Kirk (Becky) Appell; special nieces and nephews: Mark (Gail) Everson, Tim Everson, Kristin (Kevin) Wargin, Dianne (Dale) Russell, Suzanne (John) Onken, David McGlynn, and Rick (Carol Martin) McGlynn; two grandchildren: Logan (Kelsey Taldone) Johnson and Kylie Johnson; and seven step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harrison on Feb. 7, 1984; husband Jack in 2013; one brother and sister-in-law: Harry (Mary Ellen) Everson, Jr.; and one sister: Violet McGlynn.
Clare was a lifelong member of Wiota Lutheran Church, spent time as their church secretary, and was part of the Rebecca Circle. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and always enjoyed the food that came along with it. Clare enjoyed traveling, especially to Norway and Germany where she would visit her son Chuck while he was stationed there in the military. She was a huge fan of all Wisconsin sports and could always spend time shopping and going out to eat. Clare cherished the time she spent with her family creating memories that her family will remember forever. Her grandchildren, Logan and Kylie, were the lights of her life and held a very special place in her heart.
A memorial service was held Monday, June 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Wiota Lutheran Church (6682 State Road 78, South Wayne, WI 53587) where Rev. Jim Hearne of Barneveld Lutheran Church officiated. A visitation was held Sunday, June 18, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wiota Lutheran Church and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Clare’s name.
“The longer we have them with us, the harder it is to let them go.” – Pastor Jim Hearne of Barneveld Lutheran Church.