Mark A. Appelhanz, 68, of Topeka, passed away on November 23, 2022 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born on February 5, 1954 to Ted and Rose (Best) Appelhanz in Topeka, Kansas. Mark graduated from Seaman High School in 1972. On June 28, 1974, two future sisters-in-law conspired to set Mark and Judy up on a blind date, and the rest is history. On February 28, 1976 Mark married Judy MaCoy in Topeka. Together they enjoyed raising a beautiful family while being active in their church and school activities, going on road trips, visiting different diners, and trying the local cuisines.

Mark was the owner and operator of Appelhanz Drywall Construction from 1972 - 2016 and took great pride in his work to provide for his family. He had an amazing work ethic and was very detail oriented. He served 4 years on the Seaman USD School 345 Board. Later he started barbecuing as a hobby, which turned into Smokey's Kick Ash BBQ. He was known for his amazing food and catered many events, especially the Holy Smokin Jamboree at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church every fall for 9 years. He sold food weekly from his food trailer for a few years and then did monthly pre order sales from his commercial kitchen. His entire family enjoyed working by his side through multiple events. Mark was known for his ribs, which people would travel far to receive.

Mark loved to garden and enjoyed growing tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, green beans, and corn. He also enjoyed a timeless battle trying to stop the raccoons from stealing the corn. His Catholic faith and church community were very important to him. He loved to sit outside and pray the rosary with his cat Pixie by his side. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a recipient of the Knight of the Month and Family of the Year awards. Next to his faith, his family was the most important thing to him. In his younger years he coached all of his sons in baseball. They were so proud to have him as their coach. Mark took pride in Sunday family dinners and all the times they spent together. He loved to spoil his grandchildren and give them an endless supply of candy and love. He loved having them helping him in the garden, picking up walnuts, and helping with the BBQ business, and playing on the swings. Mark will forever be known for his pranks and sense of humor. He took great joy in planning and executing many pranks such as: surprising his nurses with a coyote skull, convincing his grandkids that a Russian Bear lived in the basement, and embarrassing his mother-in-law with fake dog poo. Everyone embraced his teasing nature that will be missed forever.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Judy; sons, Adam (Jenne) Appelhanz, Doug Appelhanz, Spencer (Morgan) Appelhanz, Andrew (Ashly) Appelhanz, and Darrell Appelhanz; grandchildren, Devin (Heather Kahler) Appelhanz, Kamryn Appelhanz, Natalie Appelhanz, Knox Appelhanz, Abby Appelhanz, Landon Appelhanz, Kylie Jo Appelhanz, and Lincoln Appelhanz; siblings, Ted (Nancy) Appelhanz, David (Diane) Appelhanz, Ann (Brad) Swanson, Robin (Mack) Lawson, Sandy (Doug) Gilliand, Gayla (Richard) Garrison, Tony (Stephanie) Appelhanz, and, Lisa (Stacey) Newsome.

Mark was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Jake Appelhanz.

Rosary will be prayed on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 6:00 pm at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in Topeka. Visitation will follow until 8:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 10:00 am at the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church. Graveside service will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church or to Midland Hospice Care.