Edward Leroy Lapp, 90

Edward Leroy Lapp, 90, of Kalispell, passed away May 24, 2017, in Kalispell.

He was born to Frank and Lena Lapp in 1927 in Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Jay, George, Wayne, Clarence and Willard; and sisters, Esther Hogue, Anna Birky and Mary Esch; son, William Lapp; and first wife, Phyllis Combs Lapp.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; brother Floyd of Oregon; six children, Kenneth Lapp, Jerry Lapp, Theresa Barrett, Marolynne Lapp, Clayton Lapp and Melissa Blue; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Ed served in the Army during World War II. He owned and operated a welding shop and spent years logging in Kalispell until he and Phyllis moved to Haines, Alaska, where they purchased and ran the 33 Mile Café, and he pursued his dream of gold mining. He was actively gold mining until his health kept him from doing so. He loved traveling to gem shows in the winter months to sell his treasures.

“His Cowboy Boots” — “Inside these boots you’ll find no gold. A Gentle cowboy, a golden soul. A man’s type man, as people say – But God’s his boss he would relay.” — Written by Helen Lapp

There will be a visitation for Edward from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home with funeral services to be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, at The Mennonite Church on Mennonite Church Road, Kalispell. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with honors performed by United Veterans of the Flathead. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.