Elmer “Pops” Lapshanski, 94, of Great Meadows, New Jersey, passed away at his home on August 5, 2026. Born December 17, 1931, in Garfield, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Michael Lapshanski and the late Veronika Vovrek Lapshanski. Elmer moved to Great Meadows at the age of three, where he remained for the next 91 years. Great Meadows was his lifelong home, where he built a life filled with family, friendships, and cherished memories.
Elmer dedicated an extraordinary 68 years of his life to John E. Rogers Inc. (Rogers Transfer), where he held several positions throughout his long and respected career, including truck driver, dock foreman, and produce buyer. Before beginning his career with John E. Rogers Inc., Elmer worked for the Lehigh and Hudson River Railroad.
One of the things Elmer especially enjoyed in his later years was working at Roger’s Transfer alongside his family. For a couple of years, he had the opportunity to work with his grandson, Tyler, when Tyler would come home from college for summer breaks. It was a special experience for Elmer, and one he truly cherished. Even more meaningful was that Tyler was part of the third generation of Lapshanski’s to work at Roger’s alongside him. Elmer’s son, Michael, Tyler’s dad, had also worked with him at Roger’s. Having three generations of his family share the same workplace was something Dad was very proud of, and those years working together created memories that will always be treasured. Some of his favorite memories were made at baseball games, where he loved spending time with his son, Michael, and his grandchildren, Tyler and Morgan. Elmer also enjoyed many memorable moments with his daughter Laurie and her family over his long life.These special times created memories that will be treasured by his family for many years to come.
Elmer is survived by his daughter, Laurie Thoman (Todd) of Kintnersville, PA; and his son, Michael Lapshanski (Wendy) of Plant City, FL.
His grandchildren, Michael Mersch (Kelly), Harry Thoman (Emily), Tyler Lapshanski, William Thoman, Morgan Lapshanski, Nathan Thoman, and Max Thoman.
His great-grandchildren Bennett and Theo Mersch.
And many nieces and nephews.
Elmer was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Veronika Lapshanski, his brother, Joseph Lapshanski, and four sisters, Helen Larson, Margaret Esposito, and Florence Mayhan, and Esther Lalli.
His legacy will live on through the generations of the family he loved so dearly. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St. Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com
5 Condolences for Elmer Lapshanski
Condolences(5)
john felix klimas says
August 13, 2026 at 6:19 pmhave good memories of Elmer while i worked for a spell at roger’s transfer. Rest in peace
Karen Rudd says
August 14, 2026 at 2:52 amMike,Wendy, Tyler, and Morgan
We were sorry to hear that dad and grandpa had passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Eric, Karen, Andrew and Alyssa Rudd
karen rudd says
August 14, 2026 at 3:12 amI was sorry to hear of the passing of Elmer. I have a lot of fond memories of him being from the Meadows and my yearly trips to Roger’s for my Christmas Eve Fish order.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Irene Johnson
Deb Rogers Connor says
August 20, 2026 at 2:47 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. I grew up knowing Elmer my entire life, on the dock, whether it was as a child and running on/off before being hollered at by my Jadi, or as an adult where I always enjoyed Elmer’s wry and quiet smiles when someone on the dock said something funny. I’m not local anymore but know he will always be part of the fonder memories of that crazy Rogers Transfer place.
Linda Landiak Bender says
August 24, 2026 at 7:39 pmSo sorry to hear of Elmers passing. My Dad worked at Rogers as well for a long time also. Even after my Dad passed away when visiting the platform I always managed to speak to Elmer. Was comforting to know he was there just like when I was a kid. Rest in peace Elmer . You and Crew are together again running things.
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