Gerald Toppin

Gerald D. Toppin of Lorimor, Iowa, died Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012 at Southern Hills Specialty Care of Osceola, Iowa. He was 71 years old. 

A memorial gathering was held at the Lorimor Community Building on Saturday, Aug. 25.  Burial will be in the Barney Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Iowa, 1730 28th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa  50266. On-line condolences may be made to the family at 

www.ochiltree.com.

Gerald Dean Toppin was born March 1, 1941 in Mason City, Iowa, to Paul and Marjorie (Clark) Toppin. He graduated from Clear Lake High School and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1958 to 1961. After his discharge from the Army, he returned to Clear Lake where he worked for Beck Excavating and on July 25, 1964 he married GayLee Redington at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mason City. 

In 1967, he and his family moved to Madison County where he farmed. He farmed until 1984 when he began working for the Madison County Secondary Roads Department, a job he held until his retirement in 2003.  

Gerald loved farming and instilled in his family the value of a hard day’s work. He was not one to join clubs or groups, but did serve on the Lorimor Fire Department Board for a time.  

He is survived by his wife, GayLee of Lorimor; his three sons, Darren (Shelly) Toppin of Afton, Mike (Kelly) Toppin of Lorimor, David (Sheila) Toppin of Lorimor; two brothers, Duane (Cheryll) Toppin of Ankeny, Norm (Carol) Toppin of Des Moines; and 10 grandchildren (Andrew, Sonia, Bradley, Ashley, Clayton, Tyler, Brandon, Caleb, Emily and Stormy). 

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Myrna Stockfleet. 

Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare of Winterset, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.