Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Lapka Obituary
HARLINGEN, TX. -
Robert B. Lapka peacefully passed away on April 29, 2015.
Robert was born in Cornberg, Germany on March 30, 1947. Bob and his parents immigrated to La Porte, Indiana in 1950. They later moved to Chicago, Illinois where Bob attended St. Nicholas Cathedral School and graduated from St. Philips. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Bob served in the United States Army in Vietnam as a Dust Off Helicopter Medic during the Tet Offensive. He helped save many servicemen's lives.
Captain Bob moved to Port Isabel in 1976 and owned and operated the Trade Winds bar and Coconuts restaurant on South Padre Island. Bob was the Captain of the Paddlewheel boat in Port Isabel from 1986-1989.
Bob became a professional mariner in 1983 and worked for Seacore Marine and Edison-Chouest Offshore Marine. Captain Bob worked in the oil industry in Africa, India, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, Brazil and the Persian Gulf. He loved to be on the ocean.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Janaan and his devoted daughter Stefanie. He is also survived by his brother, Taras (Kimberley), and many nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents John and Stefania Lapka, his sister Irene and his beloved daughter Chelsea Marie.
Captain Bob was a kind, loving and generous man who leaves behind a legacy of generosity and self-sacrifice. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Bob knew how to have a hell of a good time.
Janaan and Stefanie would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Todd Shenkenberg and the staff at Rio Grande Valley Cancer Treatment Center for their comprehensive and compassionate treatment during Bob's battle with cancer.
A memorial service celebrating Robert's life will be held on Monday, May 4, 2015, at 11 a.m., at the Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church with Rev. Charlie Palmer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Compassionate Friends Organization in memory of Bob's daughter Chelsea Lapka.
You are invited to sign the guestbook or share a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lapka
Sponsored by Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Dariusz Chamik
April 23, 2025
I am Robert's cousin from Poland, we have only seen each other once in our lives. We did not know that Robert died, we are very sorry about that. Robert's mother's sister Katarzyna lives in Poland and I am her son. Rest in peace Robert.
January 5, 2016
A true gentleman and great friend, calm seas and fair winds, Captain Bob.
Richard Burke
Darryl Welch
October 24, 2015
Sincere condolences. I worked with Captain Bob in Lagos, Nigeria and Port Gentil, Gabon. Bob taught me a lot and had a positive influence on my career. Rest in peace sir. Regards to family, Darryl Welch
ivan vaught
June 27, 2015
Capt. Bob was and will always be my Capt.
He save my job more than I know and will always be a very big influence in my daily decisions!
Carolyn Gray
June 8, 2015
Captain Bob was a great guy I met him many years ago A great guy My condolences to his wife and family.
Henre Pretorius
June 7, 2015
Go well Commander! I will never forget the good times we had in Cape Town. The world will be a much lonelier place without you.
frances alcala
May 11, 2015
My deepest condolences to you and your daughter Mrs Lapka... You all will be in my prayers in this difficult time...
Eliud Cardenas
May 7, 2015
My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to the entire Lapka family, especially to my former Harlingen South High School teacher in Business Information and Management, Ms. Janaan Lapka. I am very sorry for your loss.
May 6, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Susie Ashcraft
May 5, 2015
Sail on Capt Bob. Lots of memories.
Kendra Newman
May 4, 2015
I will miss him dearly.
Diana Castillo
May 4, 2015
My thoughts and love are with you. I miss you greatly
Dear Friend. " The LORD is my shepherd. Psalm 23:1"
Love Diana Castillo
Danny and Lee Anne Ghilain
May 3, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rita Scoggins
May 3, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
KELLY & KAREN
May 3, 2015
WE MISS YOU!!!
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Lapka's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Lapka
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
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.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
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.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Lapka's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
