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Lapka, Theodore A. "Ted" Age 91, WWII U.S. Army Air Force vet, a longtime resident of Olympia Fields, IL, died Thursday, December 1, 2011 at ManorCare Health Services in Naperville, IL. He was born April 20, 1920 in Hawthorne, IL. Beloved husband of the late Annice "Tillie" Lapka, whom he married November 28, 1947, loving father of Michael (Elaine) Lapka of Houston, TX, Betsey Cassell of Denver, CO and Thomas (Karen) Lapka of Naperville, adored grandfather of Rosemary and Henry Lapka and Evan Lapka, devoted son of the late John and Mary Lapka, loving brother of John (Arlene) Lapka of Orland Park, IL and Josie (the late Jerry) Klepal of Chicago, fond uncle of many. Ted attended St. Ignatius High School graduating in June, 1938. When he was a high school senior, Ted had the good fortune to compete in the National Catholic High School track meet at Notre Dame University (Analogous to playing in the Super Bowl in professional football). He was awarded a football scholarship and finished a semester at DePaul University before transferring to St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. Ted continued his education at St. Ambrose earning a B.A. degree with a major in Latin with minors in Spanish and education. He continued to excel in football and track during his college years and was an initial inductee into the St. Ambrose Hall of Fame in 1979. Ted started his professional football career with the Chicago Cardinals in 1942. After he was released by the Cardinals he was picked up by the Washington Redskins and was a member of the team in 1943, 1944 and 1946. His NFL years were interrupted by a short stint in the U.S. Army Air Force where he played exhibition football for the 8th Army Air force football team, the Super Bombers. While with the Redskins, he was attending DePaul University Law School graduating with a Law degree in 1948. Ted then practiced law from 1948 through 1961 as counsel to Bituminous Casualty Corporation in Chicago engaging in investigative, administrative and trial work. In 1962, he became employed as an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission and retired in 1990 at age 70. Ted continued in general law practice until December, 2000. Ted has always been active as a civic and community leader. In 1961, he was elected police magistrate of Olympia Fields. He also served as a charter member of the Olympia Fields Lions Club, the Boy Scouts and served as Park District Commissioner for Olympia Fields for fifteen years. Ted was professionally active with the Federal Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, South Suburban Association, the National Football League Alumni Association, the Washington Redskins football Alumni Association, and, of course, the Advocates Society. He was also honored as an initial inductee of the St. Ambrose College Hall of Fame. Visitation Sunday, December 4, 2:00-8:00 P.M. at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St, Naperville. Services will begin Monday, December 5, 9:15 A.M. from the funeral home and will proceed to a 10:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville. Interment: Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, 721 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 655-7525. For info. (630)355-0213, www.friedrich-jones.com.
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Ted was a great man. I knew him through the Advocates Society and considered him a friend. Ted, thanks for being so nice to me and supportive.
Your fellow Advocate,
Carlton R. Marcyan
Past President
Advocates Society
January 29, 2012
Dear Lapka family, we were so saddened to hear of Uncle Ted's passing. I remember Uncle Ted as the kind, gentle giant of a man, who always smiled, always gave a loving touch, and carried with him a grace of presence that filled the room as well as our hearts. I have few regrets in life but for one – that I was unable to see him and spend time with him and your family these past decades. I know you all will miss him, as you miss your mom, and as we miss our dad and mom, and we send our deepest sympathies to you and your families. God bless you all, and may the Lord keep Ted's memory alive in your hearts. Carl, Lynn & Kayleigh Wright
Carl Wright
January 5, 2012
Dear Betsey & Tom;
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. His was a life well-lived, and I am sure the Lord has welcomed him with "Well done, good and faithful servant." I'm also sorry to hear your mom is no longer with us. Betsey, I wish we'd gotten together when we were both in NYC. Email if you want to catch up at [email protected]
Robyn Elliott Logelin
December 16, 2011
Our condolences to the Lapka family. We are also members of SLOT. I taught at Rich Central and had Mike, Tom and Betsy as students in Chemistry. They were all good students. His family should be proud of all their contributions to RC. We visited with Ted often at church. He was proud of his family but was a humble man himself. Jerry & Carol Deany
December 11, 2011
My deepest sympathy. What a great man and great family.
HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!
Rich Sabey
December 8, 2011
My name is Ed Ladewski..I also was part of the St.Lawrence O'Toole team that brought Holy Communion to Tillie and Ted. Before that, when our children were ypung, Ted would very proudly show his RING to our boys. When we'd walk in to Mass after that our young children would say. "there's the man who is the football hero.."
And as I got to know Ted and Tillie, I got to realize how they would be Heroes to people who knew them.
My wife got to know them too and we really feel your loss. You, all the family, are in our prayers. Ed and Linda Ladewski
Ed Ladewski
December 6, 2011
My heartfelt sympathies to all of the Lapka family. Ted was a warm, gentle and generous man who always brought a smile. I will always cherish the many years of memories and friendship we shared. Blessing to you all.
Patience Davidson-Lutz
December 5, 2011
You have my sympathy. I remember your family from a long time ago in Olympia Fields. We lived on 205th. My mom was friends with your mother way back when. She is now in a nursing home. My dad passed away two years ago. No matter how long of a life they live, losing parents is very difficult. I hope good memories help to ease the loss.
Carrie Collin
December 3, 2011
Dear Lapka Family - I also am a member of the St. Lawrence O'Toole Minister of Care Team that brought Holy Communion to Ted and Tillie. I was thinking of both of them just yesterday. My thought and prayers are with Ted and Tillis, as well as with you. God bless!
Mary W. Olney
December 3, 2011
Our condolences to the Lapka family. We remember your Dad from our days in Olympia Fields - he was always so nice when we visited your house.
Aletha Tomlinson Metcalf and Tina Tomlinson Titus
December 3, 2011
Hello Lapka family,
I am sorry to hear of your dad's death but thinking of him with Tillie warms my heart. I am one of the team of Ministers of Care from St. Lawrence O'Toole who brought Holy Communion to your mom & dad while they were still in Olympia Fields. We all loved them so. I always asked about your dad big sports ring and your mom was so much fun. I know they were very proud of their family. God Bless
Rosemary Ryan
December 3, 2011
i was in law school with Ted and worked part time in the library. he was a 'regular' customer, and i issued him man books. he was humble and kind--never talked about his football prowess. i liked him. my sincere condolences to all the Lapkas..............john jursich
December 3, 2011
Dean Wittenkeller
December 3, 2011
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