Topp, Ralph (died 1942)

TOPP, SCHIMMING

Posted By: Janet Bosler - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/30/2013 at 20:30:52

Hawarden Independent April 9, 1942

Ralph Topp, a veteran of World War I, passed away about 2 o'clock Monday morning from heart ailment brought on by bronchial trouble. Mr. Topp had been in poor health for many years but was up and about the day before his death. He was in Hawarden Saturday but Sunday morning was taken seriously ill and grew worse rapidly until death claimed him the following morning.

Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church in Hawarden at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon with the Rev. C.A. Burkhart in charge. Interment was made in Grace Hill cemetery.

Men who were his fellow at arms in the First World War paid him tribute with military honors, both at the church and at the graveside.

Ralph Topp, son of Mr. & Mrs. Lammert Topp, was born northeast of Sioux Center and grew to young manhood in that vicinity. When a young man he went to Montana and homesteaded near Havre where he lived for three years. He went to Clear Lake, S.D. Shortly after the beginning of World War I, he enlisted in the 305th infantry Co. D. He served overseas with the 77th division and saw action in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. While in the service he contracted flu and was sent back to America on a hospital ship. After returning to the United States he was confined to a veterans hospital in the east for several months. During this illness his life at times hung by a slender thread. He never fully recovered from this ailment.

Upon returning to this community after the war he engaged in farming for six or seven years farmed east of town. Later he came to Hawarden and he operated a pool hall for seven years. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Schimming June 24, 1926 and to this union was born one child, Shirlene.

A number of years ago he went west for his health at Monte Vista, Colo. Later he went to Los Angeles, Calif where he lived three years. While in Los Angeles he spent five months in a veterans hospital receiving treatment for bronchial trouble. He returned to Hawarden several years ago and lived northeast of Hawarden.

He is survived by his wife and daughter; seven sisters, Mrs. O.N. Schuetz of Hawarden; Mrs. Miles Warner and Miss Henrietta Topp of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Reinhart Sigebank of Paullina; Mrs. W.L. Anderson of Creede, Colo.; Mrs. Bertha Golbeck of Clear Lake S.D..; Mrs. Johanna Johnson of Hallock, Minn.; and two brothers, Bert Topp of Orange City and Steven Topp of Hartley. His parents and one brother preceded him in death.

Mr. Topp was always interested and active in the American Legion. He was a former commander of the Two Oakes post of Hawarden and also served as county commander. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of Hawarden.

Out of town relatives and friends who attended the funeral included Mrs. Johanna Johnson and son Joe of Hallock, Minn.; Mr. & Mrs. Henry Golback and Mrs. and Mrs. Ten Hope of Clear Lake, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Topp and son Gerrit of Orange City; Mr. and Mrs. Reinhart Sigebank of Paullina; Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit Harskamp of Maurice; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sweir of Archer, and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Schimming of Sioux City.