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Note: Wisconsin State Journal, December 14, 2014 MONONA - Russell Dean Topper, age 88, of Monona, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on March 15, 1926, in Mount Vernon, the son of John and Gladys (Barsness) Topper. Russ married Theresa Charlotte "Shar" Graham on April 30, 1953, in San Diego, Calif.
Russ grew up working on the family dairy farm. He then began working in Mount Horeb as a mechanic before enlisting into the U.S. Marine Corp. Russ served as a mechanic in Korea during the Korean Conflict. During this time he became pen pals with Shar. They corresponded for ten months before meeting each other in San Diego on April 24, 1953. He proposed that night at Balboa Park and they were married six days later. They spent the next 61 ½ years together. After their marriage, Russ was transferred to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C.
After Russ's discharge, they moved the family to Monona where he worked as an auto mechanic. During his time as a mechanic, he owned the DX/Sunoco Station for eight years on W. Broadway until he was hired by the City of Monona as the city mechanic. He worked for the City of Monona until his retirement. Russ spent his retirement years doing the things he loved, which included co-managing his sons' softball team, bowling, playing cards, fishing in Canada, hunting and enjoying drinks with friends. He was a jack of all trades that was willing to help anyone in need, never expecting or accepting anything in return. Many family and friends were taken into their home and nurtured by Russ and Shar's love and care. Their home was always open for any celebration, get together or just dropping by. Russ and Shar's house was always the place to be on the 4th of July.
Russ is survived by his wife, Shar; four children, Russell Dennis Topper of Madison, Margo (Mark) Butcher of Kennewick, Wash., Mark (Janet) Topper of McFarland and Tami (Chris) Schroeder of Verona; nine grandchildren, Michael, Joshua, Matthew, Jenifer, Sam, Nick, Hope, Will and Max; seven great-grandchildren; brother, John (Linda) Topper of Mount Horeb; and special nephew, Patrick (Kelly) Hopkins. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Verna, Doris, Janis, Marilyn and Wesley; and great-grandson, Bennet.
Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, with the Pastor Sandy Schieble presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. A special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare , Dr. Eric Marty and the staff at St. Mary's Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. * * * * Russ married Theresa Charlotte 'Shar' Graham, daughter of Dennis Marion Graham and Louise Marion (Pearce) Graham.* Their children: 1. Russell Dennis Topper 2. Margo Marlene (Mark) Butcher 3. Mark Stewart (Janet Smith) Topper 4. Tami Lynn (Chris) Schroeder.
*The Graham surname was once Van Gill or Van Jill.
Burial: Highland Memory Gardens Cottage Grove Dane County Wisconsin, USA
Find A Grave Memorial# 140048120
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