Joseph John Topinka, 86, of Tama, passed away Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama with Pastor Brian Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Oneida Cemetery in rural Clutier with Military Honors. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 4-7 PM at Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama.
Joe was born on June 13, 1926, in Oxford Junction, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Eloise (Polak) Topinka.
He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy.
On December 31, 1947, he was united in marriage to Ellen Goodwin in Tama, Iowa. Joe was a farmer and then managed Wieck's Feed & Livestock in Clutier. He had his own repair business for many years, Mr. T's Sharpening. He was a member of the Clutier Community Church and attended Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama. Joe was formerly a council member for the City of Clutier and was on the church council of the Clutier Community Church. He was also a volunteer Fireman for Clutier. Joe liked to fish and tinker around with small engines.
Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, Stan Topinka; two sisters, Georgia Fritcher, and Elsie Nodurft.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-four years, Ellen of Tama; three children, Patsy (Dave) Newell of Bedford, TX, Peggy (Duane) Backen of Tama, and Joseph C. "Chuck" (Jolene) Topinka of Belle Plaine; five grandchildren, Jeremy, Michael, and Matthew Newell, Darren (Dina) Backen, and Karen (Brock) Rohrs; five great-grandchildren, Ashley Newell, Caden and Kylie Backen, and Braxten and Bralynn Rohrs; one sister, Emeline "Babe" Barber of DeWitt.
A memorial fund has been established.