Charles Joseph Lapka Jr., 76 years old, “Chuck” to those who knew him best, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, April 25th, 2024, in Bad Axe after a courageous battle with cancer. He is the son of the late Charles Joseph Lapka Sr. and Albertha Lapka (Talaski) and was born on June 9th, 1947, in Kinde, Michigan.
After graduating from Kinde High School in 1965, Chuck was drafted into the Army and served his country through two tours in Vietnam. He was also well-known throughout the area for his talents in stone masonry and construction work. Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a 1978 Full Dresser that he was very proud of and received awards for.
Everyone who knows Chuck also knows that he had “the gift of gab,” and was renowned for his storytelling with his family, friends, and community.
On June 28th, 1980, Chuck married the late Sally Finan, the love of his life, and adopted her two daughters as his own. Although he will be deeply missed by those who loved him, there is comfort that Chuck and Sally are together once again.
He is survived by his two daughters: Lisa (Chris) Fluegge of Pigeon, Michigan, and Holly (Becky Greiner) Lapka of Orlando, Florida. He was “Budda” to six grandchildren: Adam (Dana) Fluegge of Pigeon, Evan (Hannah) Fluegge of Howell, and Alaina, Jackson, Ella, and Jaida Fluegge of Pigeon. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Eliza Mae and Esme Judith Fluegge. Chuck is also survived by his brothers Richard (Sharon) Sobczak, Andy (Sue) Lapka, Tim Lapka; sister Deb (Dave) Butcher; brothers-in-law Mike (Patty) Finan, Mark Finan (Lisa Camstra) and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his 4-legged companion Sadie.
In addition to his late wife, Sally, Chuck was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Nancy, his nephews, Robert and Cliff, niece Melissa, sister-in-law Cheryl Lapka and brother-in-law Joe Finan.
The family would like to thank the McLaren hospice team for their support and care during Chuck’s illness, especially his nurse, Jean.
The funeral service for Chuck will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the MacAlpine Funeral Home with Rev. Scott McDermand II, officiating. Burial will follow at Colfax Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at the MacAlpine Funeral Home from 2-7:00 PM, and also on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Memorials can be made to the family discretionary fund in the care of Lisa Fluegge.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Read More
