David Thomas Lapp

David Thomas Lapp, 64, of Bemidji, passed away on May 25, 2020 at Sanford Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the Beltrami County Fairgrounds with Pastor Mike Naylor officiating.  Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the fairgrounds.

David (affectionately known as: Dave, Lapper, Wavey Davey and Papa) was born in Bemidji to Alice and Thomas Lapp on January 31, 1956. He went to school at J.W. Smith Elementary School and Bemidji Junior and Senior High Schools.

Dave spent much of his childhood at Balm Lake Resort, owned by his grandmother, where he worked as dock boy. Dave loved being at the resort and continued to visit it after the resort closed for family “Balm Lake Bash” gatherings and many outdoor activities.

In 1976, Dave graduated from Northwest Technical College (then known as the Bemidji Area Vocational School) with a degree in construction. He immediately started his own business, Lapp Construction, where he worked alongside his brother and cultivated many lifelong friendships through the company’s 40+ year-existence.

On July 28, 1979, Dave married the love of his life, Sheila (Skretvedt), at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji. Dave and Sheila enjoyed 40 years together raising two children, spoiling grandchildren, boating on Leech Lake, amongst many activities together.

Dave was a lifelong resident of Bemidji. He enjoyed curling, hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, shaking dice, being by the water, a generous helping of Apple Pie topped with cheese, and socializing with his many friends and family members.

Dave is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Lapp; grandparents, Richard (Lillian) Lapp, Francis (Arthur) Christenson; and beloved dog, Midnight.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Lapp; children, Tony (Kristin) Lapp, Kayla (Brent) Stai; siblings, Jim (Carsha) Lapp, Cindy (Kevin) Fetsch, Pete Lapp; mother, Alice Lapp; grandchildren, Aspen and Chase Stai.