Leon Applebaum

Madison-Leon Applebaum, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg. Lee was born in New York City on February 25, 1930, to Mary (Rabinowitz) and Harry Appelbaum. Yes, parents and son spelled their last name differently. Lee is survived by his wife of 53 years--and love of his life--Rita, the children he adored, son Marc (Susi Ferrarello), daughter Lori (Laurence) Weisberg, the granddaughters he cherished, Arianna and Sofia Weisberg, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Saul and Abe Appelbaum.

Lee completed his undergraduate work at Brooklyn College and his graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He served in the U. S. Army from 1951-53. A Professor of Economics, Lee taught at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ohio State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside where he served as chair of the social science division and associate dean of Letters and Science, retiring in 1993.

Lee was a loving husband, proud father and grandfather. Known for his twinkling eyes, generous smile and contagious enthusiasm, he loved Wisconsin, especially living in Madison. He was a Badger fan, a voracious reader, a dedicated runner, and in recent years, walked four to five miles daily. Lee relished music--jazz, the symphony, the opera--and plays, and spending time with family and friends. Lee so enjoyed the many trips to Door County, other places around the state or travel around the world made with family or friends: memories that he loved to share with others.

Services will be held at Temple Beth El, 2702 Arbor Drive, Madison at 9:30 on Wednesday, March 9. Burial will be at 2:00 at Spring Hill Cemetery, 166 South Hawley Court, Milwaukee. The family wishes to thank Jewish Social Services and the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance for the programs Lee so enjoyed. Our family gratefully thanks and appreciates Agrace Hospice for the considered and thoughtful care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple Beth El, Jewish Social Services, Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance, or Agrace Hospice Care. Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434