Christian Martin Lappé, 83, of Cumming, died on May 9, 2026. He was born on January 17, 1943, in Halle, Germany, to the late Reverend and Mrs. Herwarth Lappé.

Growing up in East Germany as the son of a Lutheran pastor gave Chris a strong faith and a deep determination to oppose Communism and authoritarian governments. He and several of his siblings were, at times, political prisoners for participating in student protests against the government. In an attempt to escape East Germany, he tried swimming across a river into Czechoslovakia, but was captured and sentenced to three years in a political prison. The fellow political prisoners he met during that time became lifelong dear friends.

Through the efforts of the West German government, Chris was eventually freed. He spent the rest of his life valuing liberty, opposing Communism, and sharing his appreciation for freedom with others.

Chris earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leipzig. He later received a Carl Duisberg Society fellowship to attend Georgia Institute of Technology, where he pursued postgraduate studies in aerospace engineering.

He was the owner of German Classics, Inc. in Chamblee, Georgia. In retirement, he moved his business to Cumming, where he continued collecting and restoring antique German automobiles, a passion that brought him great joy.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Martha Mashburn Lappé. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Monica and Hubert Ludwig, Maria and Hans Jorg Schultz-Hering, Friedburg and Reiner Scharke, and his brother, Andreas Lappé, all of Germany. Two brothers proceeded him in death.

His American family includes Marguerite and Sonny Mitchell, Catherine Mashburn, John and Cindy Mashburn, Burt and Laura Mashburn, and Burt and Ellene Place. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Chris was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, where a memorial service will be held on May 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Reverend J. Patrick Finley. The family will receive friends during the hour preceding the service. A reception will follow at the home of Catherine Mashburn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1125 Bettis Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040, or to Furkids Animal Rescue, 5235 Union Hill Road, Cumming, GA 30040, the rescue organization that brought him his beloved shepherd, Sissy.