Obituary: John Topp

John Topp

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 February 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 September 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, Wis., 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, N.D.