Monsignor Gary Paul Applegate, Age: 70
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May 11, 1951---Jan 15, 2022

Monsignor Gary Paul Applegate, 70,  a Priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and a resident of Olathe, Kansas passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Villa St. Francis in Olathe, KS.  He fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s and passed peacefully with his sister, Teresa, by his side, along with many special caregivers.  

Gary was born on May 11, 1951 to Bobby Jean and Eleanor Augusta (Danner) Applegate in Macon, Missouri.  At the time of his birth, his father was stationed in Korea in the U.S Army, and met his son 9 months later when returning to the states.  The young family moved to Sacramento, CA for a short time and later returned and settled in Chillicothe, Missouri.  On October 27, 1956, Gary welcomed a sister, Teresa Jean and the children attended Bishop Hogan Memorial School and became members of St. Columban Catholic Church in Chillicothe, Missouri.  Gary graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1969 and while in school, he was an avid reader, and spent many hours reading about religion, history and science.  Gary knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue a life in Christ and never waivered from his calling to serve the Lord.   He was ordained on May 25, 1981, and served in the parishes below:

7/15/1981, Associate St. Patrick, KCK

7/14/1984, Associate, Holy Spirit, Overland Park

7/17/1987, Associate, St. Joseph, Shawnee

7/12/1991, Chaplain Providence-St. Margaret. Hospital & Providence Place

10/1/1991, Pastor, Annunciation, Frankfort & St. Elizabeth, Blue Rapids &

St. Monica, Watervillle"

6/25/1993, Pastor St. Joseph, Nortonville & Immaculate Conception, Valley Falls

7/15/1994, Schooling - 2 years

7/13/1996, Administrator, St. Paul, Olathe until 1/1/97

1/25/1997, Administrator St. Casimir & Sacred Heart, Leavenworth

7/12/1997, Pastor, St. Casimir & Sacred Heart, Leavenworth

7/15/2001, Master of Ceremonies for Archbishop

7/29/2003, Rector, Cathedral of St. Peter

7/17/2004, Pastor of Sts. Cyril and Methodius

3/4/2005, Named Monsignor – Chaplain of His Holiness

7/15/2005, Pastor Saint Agnes, Roeland Park

9/8/2008, Judicial Vicar, Director of Permanent Diaconate, Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies, assist Nativity, Leawood

7/10/2009, Parochial Administrator of Good Shepherd, Shawnee

2/5-5/5/2010, Administrator Cure’ of Ars, Leawood

7/1/2016-7/1/2017, Parochial Administrator of Holy Name, KCK

3/20/2018, Diocesan Judge, Sacramental Assistance at Queen of the Holy Rosary, OP

Survivors include his sister, Teresa (Applegate) Olney and husband Gerald, nieces Amy (Valbracht) Dixon and husband Drew, great nephew Harris Dixon and great niece Ida Dixon, and niece Holly (Valbracht) Stephens and husband, Eric, great niece, Ella Stephens and great nephew, Eli Stephens.   He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and uncles and aunts.

Visitation will be at 10:00 -10:40 a.m. Saturday, January 22 with the Rosary being prayed  at 10:40 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, 416 N. 14th St., Kansas City, KS.  The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m.   Burial at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at St. Columban Catholic Cemetery.  


Condolences

Judy + Gina Keane Jan 18, 2022

Former Parishioner ,Leavenworth ,Kansas

We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to Msgr Applegate’s family. Msgr Applegate was our pastor when he was assigned to Sacred Heart-St Casimir parish in Leavenworth. I loved his dry wit and knowledge of Church history, which he infused in his homilies on a regular basis. I missed his “history lessons” after he was reassigned. From day one, Msgr Applegate established a very special bond with our mother, whom he eventually nicknamed “Duchess.” We were honored when he returned to Leavenworth in 2004 to concelebrate our mother’s Mass of Christian Burial. He will be missed and we hope you know that he served his sheep well. In my mind, I like to think one of his first welcomes at the Pearly Gates was Duchess.

Gary Pratt Jan 19, 2022

colleague at the Archdiocese ,Eudora ,Kansas

My friendship with Msgr. Applegate began after I started working at the Archdiocese Chancery offices in 2006. His wry sense of humor and effort to play the curmudgeon was a thin veneer to his warm heart and genuine love of others and the Church. I once asked him, after learning that virtually all people who request a marriage annulment receive one if they persist, how many existing marriage he believed to be valid. Without a pause he said, "all of them." He truly believed that a valid marriage was indissoluble. He loved Jesus Christ and the Church, and shared that unshakable faith with those he served. I'll miss his friendship and servants heart. May he rest in God's peace.

Brenda O’Halloran Jan 19, 2022

Classmate ,chillicothe ,Missouri

Condolences from the members of the Chillicothe (MO) High School class of 1969. Gary was a well-liked and often remembered classmate. May eternal rest be granted unto him.

Ann Lavery Jan 19, 2022

Friend and parishioner of St. Joseph's Shawnee ,Shawnee ,Kansas

You have our condolences as we have fond memories of Msgr. Gary. We met Msgr. Gary when he was CCD instructor at St. Joseph's Shawnee and became friends. Our son Jeffrey Lavery served at Msgr.'s first Mass at St. Joseph's Church too; so he was special to us and will be remembered in our prayers.

Ann Lavery Jan 19, 2022

Friend and parishioner of St. Joseph's Shawnee ,Shawnee ,Kansas

You have our condolences as we have fond memories of Msgr. Gary. We met Msgr. Gary when he was CCD instructor at St. Joseph's Shawnee and became friends. Our son Jeffrey Lavery served at Msgr.'s first Mass at St. Joseph's Church too; so he was special to us and will be remembered in our prayers.

Paula Amrein Jan 19, 2022

Students at Benedictine together ,Atchison ,Kansas

Deepest sympathy and prayers on the loss of your brother, Gary. We graduated in 1973 from Benedictine. He was quite a character even then. May he rest in peace.

Marsha Hogan Jan 20, 2022

Monsignor Gary was a wonderful & caring priest. I loved his homilies. Monsignor Gary was the Celebrate for our wedding at St. Casimir/Sacred Heart in Leavenworth. We enjoyed when he later assisted at St. Francis deSales in Lansing as well as at St. Casimir/Sacred Heart. Great memories of a great man. Our sincere sympathy, love and prayers! Larry and Marsha Hogan

Frank Olmsted Jan 20, 2022

College Roommate and Friend ,Saint Charles ,Missouri

Gary and I were both theology majors at Benedictine and ended up roommates senior year. The great discussions we had solving the world's and the Church's problems, always colored with Gary's amazingly dry and clever wit were such a great part of our years at BC. I once told Gary that his sarcasm and flippancy were no match for mortal men. He replied, "And aren't you lucky; you get to room with me." And I was lucky, It was a great experience, albeit an unusual one. Gary served the Church so well and so faithfully for all these many years. May the Lord now bless and keep him in his holy company. Dcn. Frank Olmsted

Kay Poppenhagen Minner Lasater Jan 20, 2022

I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember Gary’s winning smile.

Jodie VanMeter Jan 21, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park

The Riley and VanMeter families extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Monsignor Gary Applegate. We knew him as a friend and beloved priest. His specialty of wit and candor was remarkable. May he rest in peace.

Dcn. Dana Nearmyer Jan 22, 2022

Colleague ,Olathe ,Kansas

Msgr Applegate invested five years of his life forming the first cohort of Deacons. We are all grateful to him. All the cohorts to follow owe him a debt of gratitude. His care for Archbishop Keleher and Archbishop Naumann, as MC, was inspiring. Rest In Peace.

Cathleen McDonnell Jan 22, 2022

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Loved the Monsignor. Missed his insightful homilies when he left Nativity. Fond of his sense of humor! May he Rest In Peace. “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Pam Storey Jan 22, 2022

Friend ,Columbia ,Missouri

Rest in peace dear Gary. You will be missed by many. You are in God's hands now ! ❤