1947
Robert
2015
Robert B. Lapka
March 30, 1947 — April 29, 2015
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 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.
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 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.
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