Kathleen Marie ‘Kathy’ Appel, 74, passed away Feb. 12, 2026, surrounded by her family at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita, Kan. She was born on May 28, 1951, in Great Bend, Kan., to Claude G. and Agnes J. (McCormick) Appel. 

Kathy was raised in La Crosse, Kan., then became a resident of Great Bend. She worked at Gibson’s Department Store for 11 years before starting a 30+ year career as a valued employee at Wal-Mart. Kathy was a member of Prince of Peace Parish and Altar Society. She enjoyed tending to her flower garden and lawn, watching NASCAR races and NCIS, being a caretaker to her dog, Lizzie, along with her other pets through the years, and cheering on the K-State Wildcats. Kathy most cherished spending time with her family, especially her daughter, whom she was most proud of.

Survivors include daughter, Tara Appel of Manhattan; brother, Don Appel of Manhattan; and sister, Janet Struthers (David) of Litchfield Park, Ariz. She is preceded in death by her parents. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in La Crosse, Kan., with Father Stephan Dabanka presiding. Interment will follow at La Crosse City Cemetery. Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, with Altar Society Rosary at 4 p.m., family receiving guests from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Vigil with Rosary at 7 p.m. with Father Warren Stecklein presiding, all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or Prince of Peace Parish, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 17, 2026