Obituary: Wayne Topp

Wayne Topp

Grace City, N.D.

Wayne Topp, 92, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, New Rockford, ND.

Wayne's visitation was Tuesday, August 22, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. all at Evans Funeral Home in New Rockford. A funeral service was held Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Grace City, N.D. with Rev. Amy Kippen officiating. His burial will be at the Grace City Cemetery, Grace City, N.D.

Special music included "In The Garden,"sung by Darwin Solberg and " The Lord's Prayer," sung by Jackie Walsh, accompanied by pianist Kathy McCracken. Congregational hymns were "The Old Rugged Cross," and "Amazing Grace."

Pallbearers were Randy Eikom, Jeff Anderson, Francis Harding, Kenny Reis, Jason Vollmer and Leon Wright. Honorary bearers were Joan and Dewey Heckaman, Gilbert and Joann Black, Mark and Joan Anderson and Jim and Julie Pogreba.

Wayne Richard Topp was born at home in rural McHenry, N.D. on October 23, 1930, to Fred and Jennie (Aultman) Topp. He went to Columbia School and farmed with his dad until he was united in marriage to Phyllis Anderson on July 23, 1950. Wayne and Phyllis started farming in 1951, raising cattle and milking cows. Shortly thereafter he owned and operated T&A Truck line with his brother-in-law. They moved to New Rockford in 1978 where they owned a Purina feed store.

Wayne was a founding member of the N.D. Simmental Association and was an ABS representative for over 30 years. NDSU awarded him outstanding agriculturist of Eddy County. He was a member of the Grace City Lutheran Church and was president of the New Rockford Eagles Club. Wayne was the leader of the Columbia Feeders 4H club for many years. Wayne and Phyllis loved to watch the Red Willow area softball and baseball teams. If there was a game, they were sitting on the red benches watching. They were thrilled when recognized by the Red Willow crew for their loyalty and love of the game.

Wayne loved to visit with people and had countless friends throughout the years.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 73 years, Phyllis; a son, Lynn (Mary) Topp, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; daughters, Lisa (Thaddeus) Ashby, Nashville, Tenn., and Jill (Michael) Thompson, Red Willow; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents; four infant brothers; brother, Russel Topp; sister, Margaret Rost; two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law. 

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford, N.D.