Arlin D. Lapp

Arlin D. Lapp, 91, of Harleysville, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at The Community at Rockhill. He was the beloved husband of Janet E. (Bickel) Lapp for 69 years. Born in Franconia, PA, Arlin was the son of the late Arthur W. Lapp and Lizzie Mae (Alderfer) Lapp. He graduated from Souderton Area High School in 1952 and attended Ursinus College in Collegeville, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Arlin's varied and impactful career also included service as a recreational therapist with I-W Service at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morris Plains, NJ, work as a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch, and leadership roles as Vice President at the former Lapp's Poultry in Harleysville (his father's business) and Vice President of Personnel at the former Longacre's Poultry in Franconia. He then dedicated 20 years of his professional life as a financial planner with Franconia Insurance and Financial Services of Telford and later Everence Financial of Souderton. Arlin's commitment to faith, service, and community was evident throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of Line Lexington Mennonite Church, where he served as church council chair, Sunday school teacher, finance committee member, and song leader. He held leadership roles in numerous community and church organizations, including: President and Board Member, Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce; Board Member (17 years) and President (6 years), Penn View Christian School; Board and Finance Committees, Christopher Dock High School; Board Member, Kairos School of Spiritual Formation, Lancaster, PA; Board Member, Peaceful Living (supporting adults with intellectual disabilities); President, Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania (10 years); President, Mennonite Church Historical Committee (USA); Board Member, North Penn United Way; and a Member of the Franconia Mennonite Conference Council. He also found joy in coaching his sons' Little League baseball teams and faithfully attended hundreds of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. A gifted athlete, Arlin was drafted as a catcher by the Pittsburgh Pirates after college. Arlin had many hobbies and passions, including collecting antique bottles with his children, playing guitar and trumpet, singing, and performing in a band. He had a deep interest in Mennonite history, loved trips to Cape May, visits to Lancaster, and spent meaningful time supporting organizations like Spruce Lake Retreat. He will be remembered as a hardworking, generous, faithful, and loving man with a heart for stewardship, a strong sense of humor, and an unwavering Christian faith. Arlin is survived by his devoted wife, Janet, and their four children: Andrew S. Lapp & wife, Michelle, Telford, PA; Michael A. Lapp & wife, Sherri, Winchester, VA; Jonathan A. Lapp & wife, Renee, Bridgewater, VA; and Jennifer J. Balmer & husband, Dwane, Perkasie, PA. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Ashley P. Lapp, Telford, PA; Shelby M. Lapp, Telford, PA; Mackenzie L. Blauch & husband, Christopher, Broadway, VA; Karli J. Weiss & husband, Kevin, Perkasie, PA; Bailey M. Deterline & husband, Dustin, Telford, PA; Ali R. Balmer, Telford, PA; Macy K. Balmer, Perkasie, PA; Michael A. Lapp II, Mount Pleasant, SC; Aiden M. Lapp, Verona, VA; and his five great-grandchildren: Brecken & Harper Weiss; and Emmalee, Oliver, & Ellis Deterline. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harley A. Lapp. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Line Lexington Mennonite Church, 80 Hilltown Pike, Line Lexington, PA 18932. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Line Lexington Mennonite Church, P.O. Box 217, Line Lexington, PA 18932 or Dock Mennonite Academy, EC-8 Campus, ATTN: Kathy Gordon, 420 Godshall Road, Souderton, PA 18964 https://www.dock.org. Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964. To send online condolences, please visit www.andersfh.com.