porch in the woods. Church was a very important part of Ralph's life. He was a member of the Nevada United Methodist Church for 74 years. He served on several committees and shared his handyman talents to help at the church. Ralph was a member of the Nevada Masonic Lodge for 50 years. He served as Master for two terms His family was the joy of Ralph's life. He is survived by his wife Linda Appelgate; one daughter, De Ann (Appelgate) Freel and son-in-law Randy Freel of Nevada; one son, Monte Appelgate and daughter-in-law Michele Appelgate of Mason City; two grandchildren, Tim and Emily of Mason City; Sister Carole (Appelgate) Tranthum and brother-in-law Carey Tranthum of Shellsburg, IA; sister-in-law Cathy Tichenor (Gary) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Appelgate (1981), father Glen Appelgate (1994) and brother Richard Appelgate (1986), his grandparents and several aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held Friday, April 19 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Chet Ryan Mortuary, 708 Fifth St. Nevada. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday April 20, 2013 at Nevada United Methodist Church, Nevada. Memorial contributions will benefit Nevada High School graduates who plan to attend college.