Wayne L. Applegate

Wayne L. Applegate, 70, of South Bend, passed away on December 27, 2025 in South Bend.

He was born on April 6, 1955 in Monticello to the late Charles and Harmony (Ball) Applegate. He was the seventh of eight children.

He was a graduate of Twin Lakes High School and graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelor degree in education, attending on a diving scholarship. He was the owner and instructor at his dance studio, Elite Feet in Lafayette. He also taught diving at several colleges and universities in Indiana, Kentucky and California. He finished out his diving career at Michigan Lakeside Aquatics near Holland, Michigan in April when he became ill. He loved his cats.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church where he had been an altar server as a young boy.

He is survived by three siblings, Julia Donahue of Kokomo, Melba (Ric) Nickerson of VA, Ed (Cathy) Applegate of Reynolds; two sisters-in-law, Loretta Vanoverberghe of South Bend, Shirley Applegate of Monticello; brother-in-law, Harvey "Buzz" Thompson of Paradise, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers, David, Joseph and James Applegate, and sister, Ruth Thompson; one niece and one nephew.

Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2026 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Rosary will be prayed at 12:30 pm on Friday, January 2, 2026 followed by a Mass of Christian burial at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church with Fr. Dan Duff celebrating.

Burial will be at a later date in Riverview I.O.O.F Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Creative Dance N', 3373 Cleveland Rd., STE 110, South Bend, IN 46628 with Scholarships in the memo OR www.creativedancen.com. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com

Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello is entrusted with care.