Lawrence J. Topf 1920-2012

TOPF LENZ ORDWAY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/17/2012 at 14:12:40

Sioux City Journal
February 25,2012

Lawrence J. Topf, 91, of Sloan passed away Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, at Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sioux City.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salix, Iowa. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with a Scripture wake service at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary, at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service in Onawa, Iowa. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.rushfamilycareservice.com.

Lawrence was born Nov. 27, 1920, in Sergeant Bluff, the son of Nicholas and Lucy (Lenz) Topf. He moved to the Salix area with his family at a young age, where he attended St. Joseph High School and graduated in 1938. He then attended the National Business and Training School in Sioux City.

Lawrence and Eileen Ordway were united in marriage on Feb. 15, 1944. They farmed together in the Salix area until 1984, when the couple retired to Sloan. He continued to help on the family farm until 2000.

Lawrence had various interests throughout his life. He raised purebred Duroc hogs on his farm for decades, and was an avid fisherman. He belonged to several boards including the REC, library, Pork Producers, Fair Board, and Farm Bureau Boards. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was active in the St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Eileen; six children, Kathy Baker of Sloan, Norma (Marty) Weber of Paullina, Iowa, Evelyn (Jeff) Lawhead of Ida Grove, Iowa, Bernard Topf of Seven Fields, Pa., Larry (Marilyn) Topf of Salix, and Vince Topf of Indian Shores, Fla.; 22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Nicholas "Joe" (Ann) Topf of Carroll, Iowa, Don (Liz) Topf of Quincey, Ill., David Topf of Richmond, Va., and Denny (Cathy) Topf of Windsor, Colo.; one sister, Pat (Lee) Hanssen of Lee's Summit, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Maurice Topf, Bernard Topf, and James Topf; and one sister, Mary Trudeau.