Memorial

Cletus “John” Appleby, 81, of Cedar Rapids, passed away holding the hand of his oldest grandchild on Sunday, May 25, 2025, after a brave battle with Alzheimer's. Visitation Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Cedar Memorial State Room in Cedar Rapids. Monday, June 9 at 10:00 AM.  Funeral Mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 720 29th Street SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52403, with additional visitation an hour prior to services. Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. 

He was born February 2, 1944, in Iowa City to Freddie and Luella (Boots) Appleby. He was the seventh of thirteen children. John served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict in Hanau, Germany. He worked for Farmstead Foods in Cedar Rapids for 28 years until the plant closed in 1990. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping, but his favorite thing of all was being a family man.  He was the best grandpa ever! 

John is survived by the love of his life Rosemary (Breuer) whom he married February 24, 1968 in Cassville, WI. Together they have three daughters Angela (Winston) Heck, Amy (Matt) Appleby-Romelfanger, Ann (Dwain) Sanford. They were blessed with seven grandchildren Ken, Taylor, Ben, Brianna, Sydney, Bailey, and Hope, along with two great-granddaughters Norah and Ruby. He also leaves behind his siblings Paul (Roxy) Appleby, Tom (JoAnn) Appleby, and Mary (Duane) Kaplan, and sisters-in-law Mary Kay Appleby and Judy Lanphier.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, infant son Jonny and infant granddaughter Corinna, along with his siblings Bernice, Bonnie, Bernadean, Lois, Merajo, Freddie Ray, Larry, Allen, and Tim.  

Memorial contributions may be left to his family to distribute to causes that were near and dear to his heart.

A heartfelt thank you to the Mercy Caregivers Center and Mercy Hospice.