Read Thomas "Tom" Norman Lapke's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Thomas "Tom" Norman Lapke

Makawao, HI, USA

May 25, 1939 - December 21, 2020

May 25, 1939 - Dec 21, 2020

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Thomas N. Lapke, 81 of Makawao, Hawaii, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 21, 2020. He was surrounded by his wife of 60 years and his four children.
He was born May 25, 1939, in Licking County, Ohio, the son of the late Lawrence Michael and Theresa Josephine Lapke. He was the younger brother of the late Gertrude Kiapos.
Tom grew up in Pataskala, OH on a family farm and graduated from Alexandria High School in 1957. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958 serving as a Machinist Mate on the USS Collette from 1958- 1960 and on the Oklahoma City from 1960-1962. He married Dorothy Liu in 1960. Although he always considered Ohio his beloved “home,” he went on to work for Los Angeles Water and Power company.
In addition to being a loving family man, Tom was an avid horseman, talented woodworker, jokester, storyteller, and Jack of all trades. He retired from United Airlines in Indiana and eventually settled in Hawaii.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Lapke (Liu) of HI; daughter Virginia Perez of HI; Theresa and Greg Hutchins of CA; Kimberly and Michael Smith of HI; Michael and Mindy Lapke of HI; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and honorary son Todd Luttrell of WA.
Tom Lapke was preceded in passing by his parents, sister, and son-in-law Roland Perez.
Although no formal service will be held at this time, Military honors and burial will take place on Friday, January 8, 2021, at 1:00 pm at Forrest Cemetery in the Veteran’s area. Friends and family are welcome to witness this final honor for Tom at the Forrest Cemetery 905 N. Court St, Circleville, OH. 43113
Considering the pandemic, the distance between family and friends, and weather an interactive online memorial service will be held in the near future. All updated will be posted here on Tom's memorial page.

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