Terry Lee Lapp of Waukesha passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Milwaukee following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Rock Island, Ill., on Dec. 13, 1946, Terry later moved to Waukesha. A proud veteran of the Vietnam era, Terry served two years in the Marine Corps before he was honorably discharged. He had received specialized language training at the Presidio in Monterey, Calif., and served as a Vietnamese interpreter during his service. A decorated combat veteran, Terry was a sergeant and also a Purple Heart recipient.
    He was married to Pauline (Bralich) and the two raised a son and daughter. Terry had been employed as a transportation manager for Construction Supply and Erection (CSE) for 18 years, retiring in 2004. Terry was true to the Marine Corps. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He served as a mentor to countless Vietnam and Iraqi veterans and was involved for many years at the Milwaukee Veterans Center. In earlier years, Terry was involved with the Waukesha Olde Car Club. Terry was also a longtime communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was active in their Bible study group. He will be sadly missed.
    Terry is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Pauline; his mother, "Jerie" Lapp of Waukesha; his children, Cindy Lou (Todd) Bourdo of Oconomowoc and Andrew Clayton Lapp of Waukesha; four brothers, Michael J. Lapp of Waukesha, Patrick Joe (Cindy) Lapp of Fort Atkinson, Timothy E. Lapp (partner Bret Dougherty) of Madison and Larry D. (Patty) Lapp of Newport News, Va.; and two sisters, Sandie (John) Stippich of Pewaukee and Joy E. Grenz of Waukesha. He also leaves three grandchildren, Ellie, Charlie and Addison, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends.
    He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Samuel E. Lapp, and an infant sister, Cindy Lou Lapp.
    Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha. Visitation continues from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass on Thursday, Dec. 31, at St. Mary’s Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave., Waukesha. The Very Rev. James T. Volkert will be officiating. Entombment with full military honors will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery immediately following the Mass.
    Memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society, N19-W24350 Riverwood Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188.
    Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Preplanning Services is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information, please call the funeral home at 542-6609 or visit www.waukeshasfuneralhome.com.