Benjamin Topor

Benjamin Topor, age 91, died on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Oakland Center in Madison Heights. He was born May 18, 1923 in Hamtramck, Michigan to the late John Topor and the late Mary (nee: Lasota) Topor.After spending his first 25 years living the life of a bachelor, Benjamin finally asked the love of his life to join him in marriage,…to which she couldn't resist saying yes. So it was…on July 3, 1948 at St. Stephens Roman Catholic Church in Detroit, Benjamin watched his beloved Jane take that long-awaited walk down the aisle and into his arms,…and shortly afterwards, the two were pronounced husband & wife. That began what turned out to be a love story that spanned over 66 wonderful years together,…and a journey which included the joys of building a home, raising a family, and growing deeper in love with each passing day.Mr. Topor was a hard working man who possessed strong work ethics and old world principles that guided him each and every day. Much of this was poured out on the job where he worked as an Electrical Mechanic for the General Electric Company. He ultimately retired from there after 26 years of dedicated service and loyal contributions to a very successful company. When he wasn't working on the job, you'd often find him tending to his vegetable garden at home. A very proud and industrious backyard farmer, Benjamin made sure that a stop at Kroger's would not need to entail a visit to the vegetable section of the store. His garden was rife with the likes of tomatoes, green peppers, beets, cucumbers, beans, and dill,…and he nurtured his garden with the utmost in care.Another of Benjamin's favorite pastimes involved his love of fishing,…especially when he was casting out his line in search of some tasty perch or walleye. On many occasions, he'd head for the waters of Lake Erie where the fish were plentiful and his chances good. If nothing else, he always had a good story to tell about his fishing excursions.In telling the story of Benjamin, it would be sadly remiss if not to mention his strong faith and the heart of a servant he possessed. A longtime member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren, he loved the Lord and enjoyed working out his faith through the many people he met in his life's journey. One of the most profound examples of this came through his lifetime membership with the Knights of Columbus. As part of the Holy Cross Council, he was quite proud of the 40+ years he spent touching hearts and lives as a Knight,…with his crowning achievement being that of his ascension to the 4th Degree. It's the highest level a Knight can attain, and Benjamin truly deserved the recognition.Yet more than anything, he was most proud of the place he held in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He may have been a vegetable gardener, but these were the apples of his eye! He leaves behind a storehouse of treasured memories for all to reflect upon who were blessed to know this great man. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Go rest high, dear Benjamin,…may you rest in peace. Benjamin was the beloved husband of Jane (nee: Kandow) for 66 years. Devoted father of Christine (Michael) Blevins, Joseph (Michele), and Paul (Sandy) Topor. Loving grandfather of Katherine (Dennis) Kanapsky, Alexandra Topor, Matthew Topor, Sandra (Greg) Labun, Craig (Jenni) Pilot, Kelly (Eric) Dingman, Nick Blevins, and great-grandfather of Michelle Blevins, Julia Dingman, and Ryan Kanapsky. Brother of Cassie Nowicki, and preceded in death by siblings; Ted, Bruno, Eleanor Marzinek, Bernice Czanstke, Frank, Edwarda Paszek, and John. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation for Mr. Topor will be held on Sunday, December 21st from 2-8pm, with a 6:00pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile) in Warren. He will lie in state on Monday from 11:00am until the time of his Funeral Mass at 11:30am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren. Please share memories of Benjamin at his memory book above.