Carol was born on January 29, 1939 in Hutchinson, Kansas to John Reece and Jane (Ferguson) Reese of Langdon, Kansas. A farm girl from day one, Carol joined her big sister, Imogene. Six years later, younger brother Bobby was born. Faith, family, and a love for music was central to Carol’s life. She grew up singing with her family at church and family gatherings.
In 1961, Carol received her BA degree in Music and Voice Performance from Sterling College, KS where she was soprano soloist for the College Concert Choir. At Sterling, she also met the love of her life, Thomas Raymond Toperzer. They married on June 2, 1961.
Carol moved with her husband often through the years, but music traveled right along with her. She sang in church choirs, taught piano and voice, served as tour manager for five Bethel College Choirs in St. Paul, Minnesota, and performed in many musical theater productions such as Carousel, H.M.S Pinafore, A Chorus Line and Promises, Promises. As Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, Carol was selected as Best New Actress for the 1971-72 Season at the Rochester Civic Theater in Minnesota.
In 1965, Carol’s family grew with the birth of her first son, Scott, followed by her youngest son, Max, in 1969. Carol loved watching her boys in all activities and was their biggest cheerleader. As a family, they often spent summertime in the mountains of Colorado, a place especially dear to her heart.
Carol’s career focus shifted to helping others as she became Executive Director of Cleveland County Aging Services, followed by Cleveland County Hospice Director. In addition, she served on many boards, including Meals on Wheels. Carol was selected as Outstanding Aging Employee of the Year for Oklahoma.
To know Carol was to love her. She was comfortable in all situations and would put others at ease. Her smile and charm, her gifts in the kitchen, her dynamic singing voice, her delight in all things Christmas, and her love of family will forever be remembered.
Carol is preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Jane Reece and brother, Robert “Bob” Reece. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Tom Toperzer; son Scott Toperzer and his wife, Lydia; son Max Toperzer and his wife, Jennifer; granddaughter Grace Toperzer; grandsons Ben Toperzer and Alvin Toperzer; sister, Imogene Tilton; and many nieces and nephews.
Above all else, Carol’s life focused upon praising and glorifying her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Carol’s Celebration of Life will take place at the Primrose Funeral Home Chapel, 1109 N Porter Avenue in Norman on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 10:00AM. An informal reception will immediately follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.primrosefuneralservice.com for the Toperzer family.
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