Harold Rider Appleby, Jr., 'JR' 88

Harold Rider Appleby, Jr. ("JR"), of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, entered the presence of the Lord on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, joining his wife, Karen C. Appleby, in heaven. He was 88 years old.

JR was born June 5, 1937, in Bellflower, Calif., to Harold R. Appleby, Sr. and June Clarice Remington Appleby. After losing his mother at the age of three, JR and his younger brother Don were raised primarily by their father and grandparents, Harry and Amy Appleby. He also spent meaningful summers with his maternal grandparents, Osmer and Mildred Remington, on their dairy in Southern California, experiences that later inspired his interest in caring for animals.

In 1954, JR joined the United States Marine Corps, serving as an M3 tank mechanic and turret and tracked vehicle repairman until 1960. In 1956, he married Kathleen A. Krafft, and together they had three children: Kevyn, Kirk, and Mark. In 1970, the family relocated to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where they purchased a small farm in Hayden and sold raw milk. JR enjoyed raising cattle, as well as chickens, pigs, rabbits and goats.

In 1974, JR married Karen Camm Strickell and adopted her two children, Elizabeth and Clayton. Family was important to JR, and he was known for his sense of humor and love of laughter. He faithfully videotaped family moments he held dear.

JR loved Jesus deeply. He studied the Bible with Karen, volunteered on church building projects, donated generously, and shared donuts at Sunday services. He was known as a hardworking provider and a loyal friend. He would go out of his way to help anyone in need. JR was loved by all and will be so missed.

A true jack-of-all-trades, JR worked as a truck driver, carpenter, drywall installer, millwright at Bunker Hill in Smelterville, Idaho, janitor at Bryan Elementary School, funeral assistant at Yates Funeral Home, and later founded Diversified Services. His business offered video transfers, locksmithing, notarizations, residential and commercial lawn maintenance and snow plowing. He retired around age 70 following an injury. JR also enjoyed reading the Coeur d’Alene Press daily. He pursued technical studies at Chaffey College in the 1960s and business studies at Kinman Business College in Spokane in the 1980s.

JR was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother Don, and wife Karen. He is survived by his children: Kevyn Joy Casson (Mark), Elizabeth May (Chris), Kirkland Appleby (Linda), Mark Appleby, and Clayton Appleby (Jennifer); 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a nephew; a niece; and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at 4 p.m. at The Altar Church, 901 E. Best Ave. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation www.alzfdn.org.

Please visit JR’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.