Obituary: John Topp

John Topp

Fargo, N.D.

John Topp, 85, of Fargo, N.D., died Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at his home surrounded by family and with hospice care. Topp was born Feb. 17, 1939, in New Rockford, N.D. to Rudolph and Ruth (Anderson) Topp. John attended grade school at Columbia Township one room school house, then attended high school in Grace City and New Rockford. He attended North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU). There he met Elva Manning of Regan, N.D., and on Sept. 3, 1961, they were married. The couple lived on their farm/ranch north of Grace City, N.D. He retired and moved to Carrington, N.D. for seven years, then moved to Fargo, N.D. in 2015.

Topp was a member of the N.D. Polled Hereford Association for many years. One of his favorite activities was participating in Draft Horse and Pony Horse pull competitions. John also enjoyed trail rides and events with the Circle Trailriders and Red River Harness & Saddle Club.

John is survived by his wife Elva; children Teresa (Keith) Hambrick of Eau Claire, Wisc., Robert Topp of Fargo, N.D., and Susan (Tony) Gilles of New Prague, Minn.; grandchildren Eva (Ryan) Gray, Emily (Jacob) Marineau, Justin Topp, Jack, Sam and Kate Gilles; great-grandchildren Josephine and Drew Gray; and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by parents, sister Ardyce Meier, sister-in-law Kim Cooper, and brothers-in-law Bill Meier and LeRoy Hochhalter.

A private family service will be held.

Arrangements by West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center of West Fargo and Casselton, N.D.