Tommy Joe Toppe was peacefully called to glory November 24, 2014 surrounded by his loving friends and family at the age of 69. Tom was a man who honored God his whole life rejoicing with Jesus here on earth, and will now rejoice eternally in heaven. Tom was born December 5, 1944, in Seymour, IN to Benjamin and Hester (Durham) Toppe. Tom was baptized at Central Christian Church and confirmed in 1963 into the Lutheran faith at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Seymour.
Tom graduated from Seymour High School in 1963 and Chicago Technical College in 1968. On September 7, 1968 Tom married Sharon Herz. They lived most of their married life in Jackson County, IN being active members of Zion, St. Peter’s and Immanuel Lutheran Churches.
Tom was a custom home builder in Jackson County until his retirement in 2008. He was a former member of Jackson-Jennings Home Builders Association and received boss of the year award. He also had served as a state representative for Home Builders. Tom was active in church leadership, holding multiple offices throughout the years.
Tom is survived by his wife Sharon; daughter Sonia (Chuck) Bryan, and son Benjamin (Mary Sawyer) Toppe; four grandchildren: Thomas and Eden Story, Duncan and Noah Toppe; sister: Mildred (Bill) Guinn; sister-in-law: Patricia Toppe; and brother-in-laws: Ervin Stuckwisch, Bill Munden, and Don Fourman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Robert E. Toppe; sisters: Janet Stuckwisch, Phyllis Munden and Joann Fourman.
Visitation will be held at Voss Chapel on Friday November 28, 2014 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM and at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday after 9:30 AM until the time of service.
Funeral Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday November 29, 2014 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Ralph Blomenberg, Rev. Jimmy Rodriguez and Vicar Dan Merz officiating. Burial will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials may be written to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran School, Trinity Lutheran High School, or Donor’s Choice.
Tom’s laughter and generosity will forever be remembered. “For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7