Charlene Marie Appelhanz

Charlene “Charlie” Marie Appelhanz, 79, of Topeka, KS passed away Friday, November 7th 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She passed peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones. 

She was born October 13, 1946 in Hays, KS, the daughter of Richard Sawazhki and Cora Younger. Charlene attended St. Marys Catholic Grade School, and later moved to Topeka with her family. She graduated from Highland Park High School. 

She met her husband, Richard, at the Pizza Parlor where she worked as a waitress. They married on April 20th, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Charlene was a wonderful homemaker who raised 6 children, later returning to work at the Topeka Public Library, where she retired from. She was always busy and didn’t like to sit still, whether that was volunteering at Let’s Help, working the Hayden High School bingo, or volunteering at Sacred Heart’s Germanfest. When she did have downtime, you might find her at the casino with Rich, in her chair watching a John Wayne movie or an episode of Law and Order SVU, or spending time with her grandchildren. 

Charlene knew how expensive obituaries can be and wanted to make sure this wouldn’t be too long, so to wrap this up Charlene is survived by her 6 children, Cindy (Arlen) Riggs, Richard (Jean) Appelhanz, Amy Manrose, Anne (Tony) Escalante, Anthony (Shana) Appelhanz, Mary (Micah) Reece, fifteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Other survivors include two siblings, Richard (Ann) Sawazhki, and Michael Sawazhki. 

The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 PM Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, with a rosary being said at 6:00 PM. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 13th 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with lunch immediately following. Burial will take place following the luncheon at 1:30PM at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Charlene's memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Ave., Topeka, KS 66616 in care of the funeral home. 

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.