Dubuque County Man Claims $40 Million Lottery Jackpot

The winner of last week’s $40 million lottery jackpot has stepped forward.

61-year old Earl Lape of Dubuque had purchased his lottery ticket like he always does at Eichman’s Bar & Family Restaurant on the north side of Dubuque – on April Fool’s Day, Saturday, April 1st.

Lape says after the drawing that night, at first he didn’t believe he was the winner.

Lape claimed his record-breaking Lotto America prize at the Lotto Headquarters in Clive on Monday. He has chosen to receive his winnings in the lump-sum option of $21.28 million. 

Lape, a retired mechanic, says he plans to invest his winnings so the money could help his family for generations to come. He’s also planning to donate to organizations that benefit children with medical issues, specifically the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City, and Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines.

Lape says that before he won the jackpot, he was in the process of buying the home of his long-time girlfriend, who passed away last summer. He says that winning the lottery will mean he can pay for the house, as well as the repairs and updates it needs.

photo courtesy of Iowa Lottery