Mary Catherine Apfel

Mary Catherine (Mulligan) Apfel, 79, of Mantorville, MN passed away at home in the early morning of Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Mary was born on August 11, 1946, to James and Mary Agnes (Keough) Mulligan. She graduated from Plainview High School in 1964, and attended Mankato State University where she majored in elementary education, graduating in 1968. At Mankato State she met James “Jim” Apfel and they were married on August 9, 1969.

Mary's passion for education and love of young children would be a guiding force in her life for nearly 50 years. She taught Kindergarten and First Grade for three years in the Rochester area before becoming a stay-at-home mom. In the mid 1980's, she returned to the workforce and found her true home at Aldrich Memorial Nursery School where she worked as an aide for nearly 10 years. She next ventured to Green Bay, WI where she worked primarily with early childhood special needs children for many years before returning (in her retirement years) to her beloved Aldrich in 2012, in a substitute role. Her patience and kindness with the children made her a mentor and role model to others.

In her spare time, Mary was an avid baker and seamstress, taking a special interest in quilting. She also volunteered with various organizations in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. She loved collecting apples (and sharing her vast collection with others) and walking in the woods to search for wildflowers.

Mary is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jim; her children, Laurie (John) Mullin and Jay Apfel; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Mullin; brothers, John (Ann) Mulligan and Jim (Carol) Mulligan. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Tom Mulligan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11 4th Ave SW in Rochester, MN with Reverend Bob Horihan officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her mass at the church. Inurnment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson, MN.

You are invited to view of livestream of Mary's funeral service on https://www.facebook.com/cocathedralofstjohn or https://youtube.com/@cocathedralofstjohns. 

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to Mayo Hospice and Visiting Angels of Rochester. Their care and compassion allowed Mary to remain in her home during her final months and provided invaluable support to the family. Donations in Mary's name can be made to Aldrich School in Rochester.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be her memory.