Ellen Marie Topinka, 86, of Tama, passed away, Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama with Pastor Warren Riley officiating. Interment will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Oneida Cemetery in rural Clutier. Visitation will be held Friday, December 30, 2016 from 4 - 6 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama.


Ellen was born on September 3, 1930, in Dysart, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Muriel (Byous) Goodwin.
On December 31, 1947, she was united in marriage to Joseph John Topinka in Tama, Iowa. Ellen was a homemaker. She was a member of the Clutier Community Church and later attended St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama. Ellen's hobby was making quilts which she would give them to family and friends. Ellen loved spending time with her grandchildren and helping others.
Survivors include three children, Patsy (Dave) Newell of Bedford, TX, Peggy (Duane) Backen of Tama, and Joseph C. "Chuck" (Jolene) Topinka of Belle Plaine; five grandchildren, Darren (Dina) Backen, Karen (Brock) Rohrs Jeremy, Michael, and Matthew Newell,; 5 great-grandchildren, Ashley Newell, Caden and Kylie Backen, and Braxten and Bralynn Rohrs.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Joseph on November 15, 2012; and seven siblings.
A memorial fund has been established.