Madison, Wisc. (July 2024) — Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has proclaimed July 25, 2024, as ‘Jerry Apps Day’ in the City of Madison, Wisconsin. A resident at Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale, this special distinction is granted to Jerry Apps on his 90 ^th birthday in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving Wisconsin’s agricultural and rural heritage.

Formerly a County Extension Agent and Professor of Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Apps has continuously worked as a rural historian and author of more than 50 fiction and nonfiction books covering topics ranging from rural history, country life, the environment and children’s literature. Apps has held countless creative writing workshops and has had numerous radio and TV performances, including six documentaries with PBS Wisconsin.

In the proclamation, Mayor Rhodes-Conway stated, "The Madison community recognizes and appreciates Jerry Apps for his unwavering dedication to preserving our city and state's unique identity and fostering a sense of pride in our shared history."

Apps has also received recognition from Governor Tony Evers, receiving an official State of Wisconsin Birthday Certificate commending him on being one of the Midwest’s most revered writers.

Apps states, “I am honored by the recognition. Throughout my life, I have learned the power of a story. I write with the hope my words will get ordinary people thinking and perhaps remembering. Memories are powerful tools that make life more interesting.”

Jerry Apps has touched the lives of many through his writings and teachings, and he continues to do so as a resident at Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale. Renaissance feels privileged to be able to celebrate Jerry Apps Day with the Apps family on the milestone of his 90 ^th birthday.