Loving husband of 61 years to the late Marjorie “Margy” Topp; cherished father of Christina Topp and Eric (Kate) Topp; beloved grandfather of Erin (Jared) Plunkett, Shaun Lindsay Kelly, Samantha (Ryan) Iadanza, and Rachel Steutermann; loving great grandfather of Fallyn Plunkett and Radha Plunkett; dear friend to many.
He was born on June 4, 1931, in St Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Henry August “Gus” and Hermine (nee Becker) Topp. A lifelong St. Louisan, Bill attended Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran School and graduated from Beaumont High School.
He served as an Army Instrument Repair Specialist at Fort Riley, Kansas, during the Korean War. After discharge, he attended Washington University in St. Louis majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated in 1959.
He started his career at Emerson Electric, where he met his future wife, Margy. He also worked for the Winchester Western division of Olin Corporation. The majority of his career was spent at Moog Automotive until his retirement in 1993.
Over the years, Bill was a member of Friedens Chapel, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Salem Evangelical Free Church and Dardenne Presbyterian Church.
He enjoyed cycling, photography, genealogy, woodworking, tennis, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's name may be made to
de Greeff Hospice House, 10024 Kennerly Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128; https://www.mercy.net/practice/mercy-hospice-south-de-greeff-hospice-house/
SERVICES: A Gathering of Friends and Family will take place starting at 11am on Saturday, March 9, 2024, followed by a Memorial Service at 12pm Hoffmeister South County Chapel 1515 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63125. Private interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
DONATIONS
De Greeff Hospice10024 Kennerly Rd., St. Louis, MO 63128
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5