Justin A. Lappin

Justin Albert Lappin, 41, passed away from cancer on September 18, 2026, at his home in Sartell, Minnesota, surrounded with love. He was a deeply loving husband and a wonderfully devoted son who approached the world with an infectious curiosity. Justin had an endless desire to explore and experience everything life had to offer, and he brightened every room he walked into with his trademark, unforgettable smile.

Born on February 4, 1985, Justin spent his childhood on a horse ranch in Carver County, which sparked his lifelong love affair with the great outdoors and animals. He attended Chaska High School, graduating in 2003 with honors. Justin continued his education at Oregon State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2008. After college, he returned to Minnesota and began his career in the construction industry. Justin had a successful 15-year career at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Cloud, serving as Deputy Chief of Engineering.

Early in his life, Justin discovered his deep love for music. By the tender age of four, he already had a wonderful and sophisticated list of his favorite jazz musicians. As he grew, he became a gifted jazz musician himself, filling his life and the lives of those around him with music.

Justin started his traveling days early with his parents, developing a diverse array of interests that reflected his fascination with the world. He enjoyed everything from opera to woodworking and loved spending time in the kitchen learning to make family favorite recipes with his mom. As a child, he was captivated by the video game Oregon Trail, which inspired a memorable summer trip where the three of them traveled the real Oregon Trail together. Later in life, he cherished sharing his Oregon Trail board game with anyone who would sit down and play with him.

Along with growing up on a ranch, Justin absolutely loved cabin life, and some of his happiest moments were spent up in the woods in northern Minnesota. From his summers at his Grandpa Garth’s cabin to his later years at the family cabin on Woman Lake, Justin was always in his element in the outdoors. It was his peaceful, happy place—whether he was enjoying water sports, downhill skiing, fishing, hunting, or just exploring the woods.

With his dad, Justin first discovered the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), a passion he later shared with a large group of close friends as they explored more of the wilderness together. These trips were the stuff of legends—especially the winter excursions where they camped in twenty-below weather, creating stories not to be forgotten.

Justin also became deeply involved with the Single Action Shooting Society, proudly serving as a past president. He loved competing dressed as a period-accurate cowboy, demonstrating his remarkable skill and accuracy with historical firearms. Justin truly wanted to see, experience, and embrace as much as life could throw at him.

In 2009, Justin met the love of his life, Megan Conlon. Despite Justin famously falling asleep in his Shepherd’s Pie on their very first date, they fell in love and soon decided to choose each other for life. They married on March 10, 2012, on an unusually warm and beautiful spring day, and celebrated their new life together with a honeymoon in Olympic National Park, the first of many adventures and memories they would share together.

The couple were each other’s everything. They loved to travel and camp with their dogs, criss-crossing the country in their trailer. Justin’s favorite destination was the Pacific Northwest, a love sparked by his Grandfather Lyle. He could spend hours walking the beach with Megan, exploring tide pools, and eating oysters until he was sick. No matter where they went, Justin had a knack for making it an adventure—even though he meticulously researched everything, with a printed itinerary to match.

Justin will be remembered as warm and lighthearted, with a personality that people naturally gravitated toward. The only thing bigger than his beard and cowboy boots was his smile, which could brighten even the darkest December day. He was charismatic, with a dry sense of humor and an innate ability to connect with anyone. He was deeply compassionate, someone who genuinely cared how others were doing and feeling—while still maintaining a wonderful, mischievous side.

Though Justin was taken from us too soon, his memory will live on in all who loved him. Remember him lying beneath the stars on a cool, crisp night, with the smell of a campfire, surrounded by the world he cherished. Think of him when you place a new cut of meat in the smoker simply to see how it turns out or dip your toes into a frigid lake or ocean for the sheer thrill of it. Above all, embrace Justin’s lifelong motto, “Memories and experiences over souvenirs,” and approach each day as a new adventure, just like he always did.

Justin’s bright spirit lives on in his beloved wife, Megan Elizabeth Lappin; his devoted parents, Brian and Gwendolynn Lappin; and a large circle of extended family and dear friends who will forever miss his warmth and joyful energy. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Lyle Eugene McLaughlin and Garth Everett Lappin, and his grandmother, Violet Ann Lappin, who now welcome him on his next journey. He also leaves behind Poppy and Topaz, the cherished dogs he shared with Megan, who remained faithfully by his side during his final days.

Please join us to a Celebration of Life to share stories, smiles, and memories of Justin on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Northern Oaks Event Center, located at 6241 5th Avenue, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379 (Phone: 320-292-7512).