Memories of Thomas "Tom" Norman Lapke

In memory of

Thomas "Tom" Norman Lapke

Makawao, HI, USA

May 25, 1939 - December 21, 2020

May 25, 1939 - Dec 21, 2020

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Tom Lapke Memorial Fund.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Story

Condolence

Year (Optional)

Location (Optional)

Caption

YouTube/Facebook/Vimeo Link

Caption

Who is in this photo?

Or start with a template for inspiration

About you

What was your relationship to Tom?

Cancel

By posting this memory, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Ginny Perez

Please consider a donation to Tom Lapke Memorial Fund.

$1,500.00

of $1,500 goal

100 %

Learn more & give

Ginny Perez

1969, La Tuna Canyon Road, Sun Valley, CA, USA

Dad was definitely a real cowboy and he taught me to love and care for horses and all animals as much as he did. When I was about 9 he took me with him on a 100 mile ride he did every year called the Messenger Flats ride. We spent months conditioning our horses and preparing for the ride. Well we made it! Many didn’t, then spent the weekend up in the mountains with the others who completed the ride and had a great time before the long ride back. I rode a horse called Honey Bess, a black beauty that my dad himself raised and broke to ride. What an adventure and memory. He taught me responsibility (to prep and care for our animals), accountability(to do things correctly), honesty (always tell the truth) and to always help others in need but most of all Love and loyalty to family.
Love you Dad
Give grandma, grandpa, Aunt Trudy, especially Roland and all those who have gone before us a big hug from me. Until we are together again!

Read More Read Less

Theresa Hutchins

2021, Circleville, OH, USA

The Honor Guard sent us this to let us know dad's marker, eventhough temporary, is clear even in the snow. They sure take care to honor their fellow servicemen! So much respect!

Read More Read Less

Kim Smith

Monica Shelton

1997, Indianapolis, IN, USA

Tom was my very 1st lead at United Airlines, Stores 1997. I was on midnights, (still am), and that is not an easy shift. But from the start, Tom was the nicest guy. He was not just lead but a "working lead". He was so helpful and knowledgeable and didn't hesitate to lend a helping hand. He really had your back when you worked with him. Tom taught me a lot and had a great work ethic. He was an awesome guy with a great sense of humor. He and Bob Plude got to talking and telling stories and we would crack up all night! Tom spoke so much and so lovingly about his family, some of whom I got to meet at his retirement party at Buca di Beppo. I think that's the last time I saw him but I still hold fond memories of him. Tom was one of the best leads ever. Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

Read More Read Less

Theresa Hutchins

Shared a heart

Tim snyder

Tom I truly enjoyed our conversations together. Rest in peace and
my prayers go out to the Lapke family

Read More Read Less

Theresa Hutchins

Angela Gray

Tom, you will be missed by many. May you rest in Gods peace. Family, you are all in my thoughts & prayers daily. Love you!

Read More Read Less

Theresa Hutchins

Kim Smith

Theresa Hutchins

Comments:

Kim Smith

Daddy was a real cowboy Daddy was a real cowboy Daddy was a real cowboy

Kim Smith

Last time was by his side before he went to be with the lord

Read More Read Less

In response to "When was the last time you spent time with Tom?"

Kim Smith

I remember when I was little there were lot’s of fun moments from dad wearing the big white chef hat house full of people mom playing ukulele and us all singing there’s a hole in the bottom of the sea!!Me and sis sitting on the tailgate of dads old ford as he drove slow bailing hay dragging a rake pretending to fall off we would giggle running to catch up to hop back on!!watching dad horse shoe the horses, our dump trips singing zippy do da ! The rodeo dances to feeding billi the cow so many memories great memories!dad used to let us play beauty shop me and sis would paint his toes and put as many clips as we could on his couple of hairs on top !his smile his blue eyes his kind voice his stories he would tell I could listen to for eternity!his kind and genuine heart his respect toward others !my funny strong brave loving dad is irreplaceable I won’t say goodbye just see u again until then I will remember everything you are and all you taught me to be and live my life in honor of you daddy I love you sooo much and miss u already love kim

Read More Read Less

In response to "What was the most fun you ever had with Tom?"

Kim Smith

Theresa Hutchins

Comments:

Kim Smith

Daddy’s bday Daddy’s bday Daddy’s bday

Kim Smith

Comments:

Kim Smith

My hero My hero My hero

Todd Luttrell

One of MANY fun times we had together was when Tom asked me to meet him at the local Moose Lodge for a quick beer. I was hesitant to go as i had to be at work the next day at 6:00 AM but how do you say no when you get to hang out with Tom. Long story short we both came out of the Lodge with arms around each other after many, many laughs . If i can remember correctly i think i made it home around 2:30 A.M. Sure loved Tom ( Dad). Just one small memory out of sooooo many.

Read More Read Less

In response to "What was the most fun you ever had with Tom?"

Theresa Hutchins

Karen Southard

Indianapolis, IN, USA

I was working the overnight shift with 'Uncle Tom' as my lead. I was extremely tired one night so I was going to nap during my lunch time, I asked my co workers to wake me.
I woke up AFTER I was suppose to be back at my station.
When I asked my co workers why they didn't wake me, I was told that Tom said to let me sleep.
He was just like that, always thought of others, and helped whenever he could.
I loved this guy, Dottie, I am so sorry for your loss, but you were also so blessed to have him in your life .
God bless and comfort your entire family.

Read More Read Less