Steven William Lappe, 73, finished his journey on earth on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at North River Health Campus, due to Lewy Body Dementia and COVID 19. He was born in Evansville, Indiana on November 25, 1947, to the late Elmer and Louise (Monarch) Lappe.
Steve was a graduate of Rex Mundi High School and was proud to serve his country as a Navy Seabree in Vietnam. While there, he built bridges at the DMZ at Quang Tre and was the sharp shooter at the end of the convoy. Steve then became an ironworker with Local 103 where he helped build the Newburgh Lock and Dam and many power plants in the area. He worked at various other jobs until retirement in 2007.
Steve had a special place in his heart for animals. He served as Vice-President of Warrick Humane Society for many years and helped spearhead the building of the current shelter facilities. He also loved mechanics and built several street rods. His motto was, “He who dies with the most toys wins!” He was a former member of the E’ville Iron and lifetime member of VFW 1114.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Shirley (Virgil) Mayer and Mary Lou (Ralph) Kaiser; his in-laws, Henry and Estella Henze; and his loyal yorkie, Buddy.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathy (Kathryn Henze) Lappe; daughters, Erin (Tim) Leveille of Savage, MN and Ann (Jeffrey) Leek of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Keegan Leek, Camden Leek, and Addison Leveille; sister, Vickie Griffith of Newburgh; and brother-in-law, Virgil Mayer of Evansville; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Bob Schmidt of Fort Wayne, IN; also, several nieces, nephews, and his fur babies, Chelsea and Georgia whom he dearly loved.
Due to the pandemic, and for the safety of others, there will be no funeral service held. A Celebration of Life may be held at a future date.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Legacy Unit at North River Health Campus, MSA Hospice, and the Evansville Veteran’s Clinic for their care and commitment to Steve’s well-being.
The family wishes memorials to be sent in his name to Warrick Humane Society, 4722 Vann Road, Newburgh, IN 47630 or Disabled American Veterans at P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18