Obituary

Daniel "Dan" Gene Lapp, 81, of Rockford, IL, was promoted to glory on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born October 17, 1943, in Sterling, IL. He was the firstborn of three children to Truman and Hazel Lapp.

Dan is survived by his wife and best friend of 55 years, Priscilla Lapp; children, Ted (Kiki) Lapp, Kathy (Shawn) Lewellen, and Steve (Anne) Lapp; grandchildren, Matthew Lapp, Peyton Lapp, Tyler Lewellen, Paige Lewellen, Brooklyn Lewellen, Chase Lewellen, Ashley (Jake) Hill, Hunter Lapp, Kelsey Lapp, and Emily Lapp; great-granddaughter, Estelle Hill; sister, Kathy (Sahag) Baghdassarian; and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Hazel Lapp; as well as his brother, Charles Lapp; and sister-in-law, Beverly Lapp.

Dan grew up in Sterling, IL, and graduated from Sterling High School in 1961. From there he moved to Rockford, IL, and attended Rockford School of Business and Engineering and earned his associate’s degree, graduating in July 1963. He also joined the Army Reserves and served for four years. After graduating with his associate’s degree, he began working for Barber Colman until 1967. He then started working at Advanced Machine & Engineering on March 13, 1967. He worked there for 41 years until he retired as Vice President of Sales in 2008. Upon his retirement from AME, he joined his son, Steve, and became partner and joint owner of Carefree Window Cleaning. He enjoyed working and continued to work at Carefree Window Cleaning until he was called home.

Dan belonged to Turning Point Church in Rockford, IL, where he served as an elder. His church family was his second family and a big part of his life. He was quick to serve where needed.

Dan and Priscilla were married on September 13, 1969. Dan was a devoted Christian, husband, and family man. His hobbies were bass fishing, pheasant hunting, and bowling. His main passion though, was his family. Growing up in the Mennonite faith he loved family dinners and conversation around the dinner table. He especially loved having his adult children and their families over every Sunday after church. In the evenings he treasured stories and laughter shared around either the fire pit in the back yard or a fire in his wood burning stove. He was always quick to share one of his barber’s latest jokes or one of his own “oh no” jokes. He especially enjoyed every year going to the All Seasons Apple Orchard and every July hosting a private fireworks show in his backyard - the garden hose was always on hand, ready to put out any fires. Our last “all family” event was spent in Branson with much laughter and time spent together that is a precious memory that we all hold dear in our hearts.

A memorial visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024, with a memorial service following at 11 a.m. at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL, with Pastor Steve Lapp officiating. Inurnment service will be at Scandinavian Cemetery, 1700 Rural Street, Rockford, IL, immediately following the ceremony. Finally, lunch will be provided after the burial.

The family requests in lieu of flowers and memorials, that donations may be sent to Turning Point Church, 1625 Myott Ave., Rockford, IL 61103.