Somehow it seemed fitting that Jerry Apps left us on Dec. 23, as snow blanketed much of central Wisconsin, where he was born some 91 years ago.
Apps was truly the godfather of Wisconsin writers and storytellers, an elder sage and historian with more than 50 books on a remarkable range of topics. He wrote most often about rural topics, but in a way that made all of us, city or country folk, part of the story. And he encouraged and mentored others to do the same, offering tips in “Telling Your Story,” one of the dozens of books he wrote for the Wisconsin Historical Society Press.
The WHSP tribute to Jerry on X drew hundreds of comments from followers who loved the man. Recognition rolled in from media across the state, including Wisconsin Public Television, which has aired several specials featuring stories of his childhood and rural upbringing. The state Legislature and city of Madison honored him on his 90th birthday. Jerry probably would have chuckled a bit about the hoo-ha but politely acknowledged it…