Pauline Appledoorn

Funeral Mass for Pauline Appledoorn, 91, of Killdeer, ND will be 10:00 a.m., Friday September 30, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Killdeer with Father Joseph Evinger celebrating. Burial will follow in the Killdeer cemetery followed by lunch at the Buckskin Bar.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday September 29, 2022 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson, with a rosary and vigil service taking place at 6:00 p.m.

Pauline passed away Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Hilltop Home of Comfort in Killdeer.

Pauline Mary Kuntz was born south of Richardton, ND on May 18, 1931 to John and Helen (Wanner) Kuntz. When Pauline was five, her father founded a place 27 miles north of Gladstone along the Knife River. When she was older, she had to swim horseback across the Knife River to get supplies. During the winter of 1949, many roads were blocked and Pauline had to ride eight miles to pick up mail for her family and other families along the way. Pauline’s friend Doris Kling lived four miles north and to attend a dance in Dunn Center they had to ride their horses 14 miles to Dunn Center. They stopped at some school houses along the way to warm up.   Pauline had one sister, Irene. Because there were no boys in the family, Pauline was her dad’s helper. She drove truck, tractor and combine.  Whatever had to be done, Pauline could do. 

Pauline met Tex Appledoorn at the Home on the Range Bronc Riding event in 1957. They were married on June 10, 1958 and their marriage was blessed with two children, Bernel and Janel.  Pauline was a 4-H leader for many years, a member of ND Cattlewomen, Killdeer Saddle Club, Rodeo Secretary and timer at PRCA rodeos. She was very active in the American Legion Auxiliary, cooking for many events. Her fried chicken and prime rib were requested by many.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking and baking. Everyone looked forward to her caramel rolls at branding time. Pauline truly enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Pauline is survived by her husband of 64 years, Franklin “Tex” Appledoorn of Gladstone, ND; son, Bernel (Elayne) Appledoorn of Gladstone; Janel (Shawn) Lee of Grassy Butte; grandchildren, Chance Appledoorn (Keri Clyde), Kailey Appledoorn (Luke Morast); great-grandchildren, Kade, Cale, Kace Appledoorn and Liddon Morast.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Kuntz; sister, Irene Hamilton; and brother-in-law, Neil Hamilton.