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Heritage Funeral Chapel - Peoria

6830 W Thunderbird Rd

Peoria, Arizona

Christopher Lapka Obituary

Christopher J. Lapka Corporal, United States Marine Corps July 13, 1982 - October 30, 2004 Christopher was a shy retiring young man, with a wonderful sense of humor. He attended Peoria Sunrise Mountain HS where he proved to be a natural born wrestler. Christopher was named "Outstanding Wrestler" at the Buckeye Invitational Wrestling Tournament in 1999 and placed sixth the State Championships in 2000. Christopher graduated in the top 5 % of his class in 2000 and earned an academic Scholarship to ASU, majoring in civil engineering. He was deeply moved by the outrage of 9/11, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on September 17, 2001. Christopher felt and expressed a deep personal commitment to protecting his family and his country. He entered the Marine Corps on January 22, 2002 after completing his third semester at ASU. Christopher was assigned to the 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment and was promoted to Corporal in 2003. In August 2004 he joined the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Christopher was killed in action near Fallujah, Iraq. Christopher leaves behind his mother Tina, father Ken, and sister Michelle, several Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Visitation Sunday Nov. 14, 2004 at Heritage Funeral Chapel 10A.M. - 6P.M., 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ. Visitation at the Church Monday, Nov. 15, 2004 from 10:30A.M. to 12 Noon with the Funeral Services following at 12 Noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Peoria North Stake Center, 22034 N. 83rd. Ave., Peoria, AZ. Interment will follow services at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Nov. 13 to Nov. 14, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Lapka

Not sure what to say?





May 6, 2019

you where a great man my dad ,andrew gallagher named me after you

Charlie Gili

January 12, 2017

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Lapka Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Christopher J. Lapka US Marine Corporal. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Rich A.

May 28, 2012

To the parents of CPL Lapka,
My condolence's. I just seen you on FOX10 with the picture of your son. I found it moving. Memorial Day IS a time to remember, like you said. Your son gave the ultimate sacrafice. he gave up all his tomorrows, so we can have our todays. Peace be with your family.

Rich A. MSgt, USAF RET.

Peggy Childers

October 30, 2011

To the family and friends of Cpl. Christopher J. Lapka:
Please accept my remembrance of Christopher on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Sandy Rodriguez

October 13, 2011

Christopher, you will never be forgotten. You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless.

June 3, 2011

Dear Lapka's: You are once again at the forethought of my mind as we celebrate the life of Christopher. We miss him and we need to focus on the positives and the influence he had on so many people as he grew up under your guidance. I think of him often throughout the year, but especially now on Memorial Day. My flag was flying for him and thanking him for his life, my freedom. God bless you all. Your reward will be found in heaven. Rhonda & Wayne Gilbert

Ed and Sylvia Myers

May 30, 2011

Remembering Chris on this Memorial Day, and prayers for the family.

Rhonda Hickman-Gilbert

November 12, 2010

Dear Lapka's:

During Veteran's Day you folks were the first on my mind. I'm sure Chris' loss is still painful, but I'm hoping its getting easier with time.

For Chris to give up that which he had worked so hard is amazing of a young person in this day & age. That is a tribute to you, Kenny & Tina, to the manner in which you raised him. I'm sure Michelle has very similar character traits.

Kenny, I will always remember our many rides up ski lifts with you talking about Chris and how well he was doing in wrestling and about his scholarship. I also remember that I had to pull it out of you, which is where Chris got his humbleness that everyone mentions!! Once you started talking I heard of nothing else 'til we reached the top of the lift!! I hope to be able to do it again some day. Or am I talking to Andy??!!

I also thank you two, or I guess three, for being brave enough to let him go do his heart's desire. Yes, he would've gone anyway, but knowing he had your support was important. It takes courage on the part of all family members when one of them goes to serve our country.

I am so proud of those who have this courage, as I certainly don't. I know "freedom isn't free" and I don't take it lightly.

Thank you Christopher for your courage and desire to defend your country - our country. You will never be forgotten.

You are in my prayers.
God bless you Kenny, Tina and Michelle

jacqueline Mikkelson

November 11, 2010

Thank you for your Service to Our Country Christopher. You live in our hearts and our memories. God Bless

Jacqueline Mikkelson

November 11, 2010

Christine and Ken, I was happy to see you today, even though we were not happy to be where we were. I wish I had known Christopher. I wonder if he and Michael knew each other. they were deployed to the same place. You never know. maybe they even brushed shoulders once or twice. We will always share the pain of losing our sons, but we also share the joy of knowing them. How blessed were have been Christine. take care. Jacqueline (Mike's Mom)

Peggy Childers

October 31, 2010

To the family and friends of Cpl. Christopher J. Lapka:
Remembering Christopher on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Master Gunny Soha

February 4, 2010

Semper Fi Brother.....

August 28, 2009

Dear Tina, Ken and Michelle
We think about Chris all the time. It can be a walk past your house, a drive past Sunrise, or any military news. He is forever etched in our memory.
Love you all.
J & M Stanhill

Kenna Larra

August 27, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

Peggy Childers

October 29, 2008

To the family of Cpl. Christopher J. Lapka:
Christopher gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Jonathan Cancro

August 28, 2008

Hey Chris not a day goes by that I dont think about you. We will never forget.

The Stanhills

August 18, 2008

A note to the family-Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Chris really left a mark on our hearts as we continue to remember and express our thoughts of our time with him.

SHIRLEY DONEY

August 17, 2008

REST IN PEACE CPL. LAPKA, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)

August 17, 2008

Rest in peace Marine, you're paid in full.

Jeannie Tolle

August 15, 2008

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. No words I could say would help ease your pain but I want you to know that your son will never be forgotten. I hope your happy memories of Christopher will comfort you. God Bless all of you.
Rest In Peace young American Hero.

In Loving Memory of my Grandson
Pfc. Aaron J. Ward
4/28/89 KIA 5/6/2008

Yolanda Valdez-Perez

August 15, 2008

Another Fallen Hero ~

My heart breaks as I sign another guestbook of such a courageous young man who gave his life so selflessly. May he rest in peace knowing that he is loved and remembered by those who knew him. From one military family to another, we know the pain you feel, we understand what you are experiencing and feeling. No amount of words can ease the pain of our loss and we know first hand, there are no words of comfort at this time. We lost our only son 9-3-2004 at the age of 19 and it fells like yesterday. Just know that there are Marines and families across the USA who is experiencing your loss and pain. We will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. Our sons grew up, chose to serve our country and in that moment became a hero, a patriot. Their legacy will remain as such. May God grant you peace, strength and comfort in such a difficult time. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the entire family.

I still fly my Marine flag and have my Marine tag and sticker on my vehicles because I am PROUD of my SON and DAUGHTER, and all the SERVICE MEN and WOMEN out there. We will always be a MARINE. We are proud of you all.
“Land of the Free, Because of the Brave” Semper Fi - Marines!

Thank you Legacy.com for setting up this website so families can quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves across this great nation.

Proud Marine Mom
LCpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9~3~04 – Anbar Province, Iraq

April 19, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Lapka!

Jacqueline Mikkelson

March 18, 2008

Christopher, I wish I had met you in this life but I will look for you in heaven, guarding the gates, with Michael. I have visited your grave and pray for your parents and they are wonderful people, I can say I have met them once, right after you were laid to rest, so close to Michael...I know their pain and loss. My heart goes out to your friends and your family, just like Mikes...I know that we are not the only ones who have lost so much. We were blessed. I only wish I had gotten to meet you here...God Bless

August 8, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 13, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Cpl Lapka and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Marine

Garnet Jenkins

October 29, 2006

Paying tribute to Cpl. Christopher J. Lapka, on this 2nd anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom. A Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service.
Rest In Peace Young Hero, in God's Loving Care and may God's Healing Grace and Comfort continue to be with the Lapka family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

" What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,
for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us"
~ Helen Keller ~

May the Peace of God and your memories of Christopher,
remain in your heart always.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Kenny & Debbie Gardner

October 10, 2006

Sorry, that it has taken so long to write. We want to express our deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. We were stationed at K-Bay with Chris until April 2004, and welcomed him into our home on many occasions. We have lots of good memories of him, and Thanksgiving being the most memorable. Our son loved it when he would come over and was very upset with the news. There are special friendships and brotherhood you build in the military and he will be deeply missed and a hero never forgotten.

Kyle Green

August 28, 2006

To the Lapka family,

My name is Kyle Green and I am sorry to I did not write sooner, as well as Cj I to have served over in Iraq on 2 seperate tours when I got home this last time I heard the terrible news. At first I did not beleive it but then a mutual friend of mine and Cj's told me it was true. Words do not express what kind of person Cj truly was and how much he is missed. My heart goes out to his family and my sincerest apologies that I did not write sooner. As for Cj all I can say is I will always remember what you and I fought and died for, Go easy Bro and Semper Fi.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

April 23, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Lapka family in the loss of Christopher. I did not know Christopher, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Christopher on the 30th of this month it will be 18 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Jennifer Stehower

March 30, 2006

"Lapka Family,

I hope you know how much Christopher meant to me. He always did and always will have a very special place in my heart. He had so much courage that I couldn't even begin to imagine having myself. He died doing what he truly believed was the right thing to do and I am eternally greatful for that bravery.He was an amazing person and I miss him more than words can say.Whether he likes it or not he will always be my "Boo Boo". :)Thank you so much for keeping me close and informed, you've made me feel like family. I really appreciate it! I love you all!

Erik Campbell

January 26, 2006

My name is Cpl Erik Campbell. CJ was a friend of my brother Sean, he was also a good friend of mine. CJ was one of my wrestling partners at Sunrise. I have never met someone with a bigger heart than CJ. I wish I could have served with him as a Marine. It was an honor to have known CJ and I pray for the Lapka family. I know CJ is in a better place sending a blessing on all of us. Thankyou for raising a fine young man and a finer Marine. Semper Fi!

Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford

January 21, 2006

Psalm 23



1

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.



This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!



My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!



If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!



Wife & Daughter of the Late

Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford

KIA May 23, 2005

Corporal Jason Lance Norton

May 25, 2005

To the Lapka family I offer my deepest condolences. C.J. was in boot camp platoon 1042, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion along with me. We came from different parts of the country and different walks of life. We met as strangers, and left that depot as brothers in arms. The last time I saw C.J. was at a pizza shack in Camp Pendelton in June of 2002. He was still the happy go lucky guy i knew from boot camp. He might have only been about 5 foot 7, but he walked like he was ten feet tall. It broke my heart when I saw he had laid his life down in the cause of freedom like the so many other Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airman of the past and present have done. I might not have seen or heard from him in years, but I will always remember Lapka.





"Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in my name. When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation." -- Psalm 91



To the parents, family, and friends of C.J. Lapka, I'm deeply sorry for your loss and I know nothing can bring him back. But C.J. made an impact in many other lives and his memory will always live on. God Bless you. Semper Fi C.J. See you on the other side.

JoAnna Gonzalez

February 23, 2005

Lapka Family,

I know this is a little late but I wish to express my gratitude to Chris as a soldier. I met Tina when she visited Sunrise Mountain where I am currently a senior. I gave her a hug and let her know I will be serving too and that Chris did his job well, he is an inspiration. He passed on how he lived, showing up and working hard to make his life known. God bless you all and Chris will always be remembered at SMHS we are proud to have him as a Mustang and know that he is in a better place.

January 3, 2005

I am so very sorry. However be comforted by the fact he died doing what he thought was right and fighting for what he wanted to achieve. As everyone has experienced loss this past year... Its not only a personal loss...its one that is felt nationwide.

Arnold Huskins

November 25, 2004

May I offer my condolences to the Lapka family upon the passing of their American hero son, "C J" in Iraq. Please know that other Americans share in their loss and are concerned.

It is my prayer that God may grant his family an extre measure of peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time.

May Christopher's legacy of bravery and devotion to our country and its safety be a source of pride and forever remembered by a grateful nation.

Sincerely,

Major Arnold M. Huskins, USAF

Joseph & Sandra Marques

November 20, 2004

We thank you. In the words of President Lincoln "I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

the hamlett family

November 15, 2004

Tina,Ken and Michelle..our thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever..and knowing how proud you were of chris and how much enjoyment we got out of listening to you talk about him, and just his laugh when he was at michelles soccer games will be missed and remembered forever...Im glad we had the chance to know him and your family...and as said in song we would have surely missed the pain..but then we would have missed the dance....how blessed you have been to have had such a wonderful son and how blessed we were to know him...thank you



our love and prayers

darrell,carla,sarah and matt

Darla Kelly

November 15, 2004

I pray that Christopher's memories stay fresh & the joy of his life remain with you always. May God bless you & give you the strength to face each new day.

Jim Walls

November 15, 2004

Ken&Tina&Family;

Your sorrow is felt by all. I never had the pleasure of meeting Christopher in person,but you can be sure We will never forget him. He is a Hero and we thank you for teaching him the values that so many will never understand.

God bless you

Jim&Betty Walls

Nancy Arvan

November 15, 2004

I am so sorry for the loss of your most precious son. My prayers are with you and your family.

Donna Harmon

November 15, 2004

To Chris's Family,

Thank you for raising a fine Marine. He will be missed by many. May the good Lord hold you close in this time of sorrow.

Hugs and Prayers,

Donna

The Stanhill Family

November 15, 2004

Dear Ken, Tina & Michelle:



Chris has left an impact on our life and the many other lives he touched and saved. We are so grateful for his conscious effort to make this world a safer place. We will always remember Chris for his spirit, drive, and determination. His sly smile was so endearing.

Our hearts go out to you and your entire family.

Judy Maxim

November 15, 2004

Prayers of gratitude for his service mingle with sorrow for his loss. Praying for you, his family and his brothers as well.... knowing you are all sharing in this sorrowfilled journey. May God comfort you as only He can.

Gilbert and Elaine Kuspa

November 15, 2004

To the Lapka family,

Our deepest sympathy to you all, We have never had the privilage to meet Cpl Christopher J. Lapka but, we wanted to send our condolences.

No greater love has any man than to lay down his life for his friends.

Your Christopher has loved much and his sacrifce will never be forgotten.

God Bless you.

Mrs. Klems 6th grade class

November 14, 2004

Our class wants to say we are sorry for the loss of your son. We also want to say thank you to him because he went to Iraq to keep us safe. Your family is in our prayers.

Mary Fulmer

November 14, 2004

I am so sorry for your loss. Your son is a true hero.

Art Wright

November 14, 2004

I know that words are often useless when you have to deal with the loss of a child, but words are all I can offer you.



I feel that our country, my state, and my family are better off because your son was born and decided to become a Marine. I for one will never forget what he has done. Please accept my prayers and condolences.

Sherry Sticker

November 14, 2004

My heartfelt condolences for your family in your hour of loss. Even tho I do not know your family, I felt a need to thank you for raising a son who would sacrifice his life for country. I've no doubt he is walking with our savior at this moment. Again, my heart and prayers go out to you all.

Mike & Bonnie Amich

November 14, 2004

Ken, Tina and Michelle,



Chris chose to protect his country from those that will do anything to destroy it and all that it stands for. He gave the ultimate price so that we can continue to enjoy security and freedom. Just know that he will be missed by so many and that he will always be a hero to all of us.



Chris will always remain in your hearts and will never be forgotten. Your pain will start to ease with time and you will begin to remember the best of times you shared with Chris. You will remember all the times he made you laugh and smile and you will be able to smile as you think of him.



In honor of Chris, I am posting his name on my web site for 90 days so that everyone knows we lost a hero and he should always be remembered.



Thinking of all of you,

Mike and Bonnie

The Langdon Family

November 13, 2004

Cpl. Christopher Lapka, our Fallen Hero, may you rest in peace knowing you are in the hearts and minds of a grateful nation. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers, we are so sorry for your loss.

Terri

Proud Marine Mom

Rock Todd

November 13, 2004

As a veteran I have the highest respect for your son Chris and your family. May god watch over him and your whole family during this difficult time..

Ronna Radgowski

November 13, 2004

My deepest sympathy to your family,

Please know that I will be lifting your family to our heavenly father.

I want to thank you for your son and his unselfishness to defend this great country.

May God comfort you in this time.



Mother of a U.S. Marine

Kay and James Gibson

November 13, 2004

To the Family of Cpl. Christopher Lapka



Please know that your Marine family mourns your loss and celebrates the life of one awesome Marine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.



Marine Parents to Lcpl. Chris, on his way to Iraq

Kelly Edmunds

November 13, 2004

I am so sorry for your loss, Your son is a hero to us all.

Rocky Lenon

November 13, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Tina. I never meet Chris but hearing you talk about him at work made me seem like I knew him. He was a very brave solider. Thank you Chris, we will not forget.

Melissa Gates

November 13, 2004

Dearest family of Cpl Christopher Lapka, you have my prayers and my heartfelt sympathy of your loss. May God surround you all with His presence at this time.



Marine Mom to Lcpl Symonds

Sue Spence

November 13, 2004

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious son. He is a hero and we all owe him ... and you ... a huge debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. I hope it brings you a small measure of comfort to know that there are many Americans who surround you in love and we keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Your son will always be remembered.



May the blessings of love be upon you

May its peace abide with you

May its essence illuminate your heart

Now and forever more

---Sufi Blessing

`

Lona and Avalon Rosas

November 13, 2004

Our thoughts, prayers, and appreciation for the greatest sacrifice go out to your son and your family. God Bless Our Troops.

sherri busch

November 13, 2004

Mr. & Mrs. Lapka,

This note comes with my deepest sympathy and sadness. My son LCpl Andrew Riedel died with Christopher on Oct. 30th. Please accept my prayers for your family at this time and always. If you ever want to talk, please contact me.

Sherri

Daniel & Katherine Shea

November 13, 2004

Words cannot express the depth of our condolences.



As a country, We are brought to our knees by your loss.

As the parents of a United States Marine, We stand beside you in your grief.



Your family is in our hearts and prayers.



Proud Parents of LCpl. Daniel B. Shea, Jr., USMC

The Pourner Family

November 13, 2004

To the Family of Cpl Christopher J Lapka



The thoughts and prayers of my family and a grateful nation are with you in your time of loss. We feel your pain and understand your great loss.



Words can not adequately express the emotions that we all are feeling as we lose our brave Marines. Please know that his sacrifice did not go unnoticed and unappreciated. It is with the deepest respect for your family that I write these words.



Please take comfort in the fact that Christopher was living the life he chose and defending the country he loves. That choice is often the hardest and we all know the dangers and the sacrifices our Marines have always faced.



Our deepest sympathies for your loss and our hearts are with you in this time of deep sadness.



I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7



With Respect and Sympathy,

Tiffany Pourner and Family

Aim High and Semper Fi!

Proud Mom of Marine PFC Vincent

PAFW of Tsgt Loye (Ret) '80-'03

PAF Vet 82-87

Ms. Charlie Harrill

November 13, 2004

Lapka Family,



There are no words that can express my deepest sorrow for the loss of your wonderful Son. But please know that I am very thankful to Christopher, for he is the best of the best. And, thank you to his wonderful parents, who raised such a selfless, giving man.



You are in my daily prayers, and may our Good Lord be with you.

Carmen George

November 12, 2004

Thank you Chris.

Michele Wesolowski

November 12, 2004

Dear Lapka Family,We cannot express our profound and heartfelt condolences. C.J. was a wonderful young man and always a gentleman. We remember him from Sunrise Mountain as a great athlete and person.We are so proud of him and extend our love and prayers to your whole family. Love the Wesolowski Family

Larry Amabile

November 12, 2004

Chris has made the supreme sacrifice to protect all Americans while serving his country. We thank you and are proud of you. God bless you.

Robin

November 12, 2004

To the Lapka Family, may God comfort you during this time of heartache. I never had the pleasure of meeting your son, but felt the need to let you know that we appreicate the sacrifice he and your family has made. Thank you and may God Bless you all.

Charles Besancon

November 12, 2004

Don't really know what to say. Until May 2004 I was in the same platoon with Cpl. Lapka. Though, we all just knew him as "Lapka". Good Marine and even better person. Was looking forward to seeing him when he came home on leave after the MEU. He will be missed. They will all be missed. My heart and prayers go out to everyone in B 1/3.

Robert Ortiz

November 12, 2004

I would like to express my sincere condolences to Christopher's family and friends. Christopher is a true hero and I appreciate what he did for our country. May God be with all of you during this time of sorrow and grief.

Jo Ramsey

November 12, 2004

Thank you, Chris. I, as well as all Americans are so very proud of you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Lynette Heap and family

November 12, 2004

Thank you.

Rose omans

November 12, 2004

Thank You Chris

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Christopher Lapka's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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