Joseph L. Lapka Sr., 82, died Jan. 30, 2011, at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. He was born March 14, 1928, at Timken, the son of Frank J. and Catherine (Bouchal) Lapka. Lapka married Dolores Gutierrez June 28, 1951, at Great Bend. They were later divorced.

He was store manager for Bailey’s and Orscheln’s. Lapka was a Great Bend resident since 1951 coming from Timken. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and was a former member of Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Sunflower Polka Club, and a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed playing pool, hunting, woodworking, clock making, tinkering in his garage, and fishing with his children and grandchildren. He particularly enjoyed his annual Christmas tradition of making beef jerky for his family.

Survivors include: One son, Joseph L. Lapka Jr. of Dodge City; three daughters, Patricia A. Houston of Lenexa, Marcia L. Petersen of Las Vegas, Nev., and Dina Heier and husband Dennis of Quinter; one sister, Elsie Jones of Larned; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: Five brothers Frank Lapka, Charles Lapka, Tom Lapka, James Lapka, and John Lapka; and one sister, Mary Seaman.

Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with the Rev. Peter Fernandez officiating. Burial will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-9 p.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, in care of funeral home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.