Wayne Elmer Toepke, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home on November 28, 2017.
Wayne was born to Elmer and LaVerne (Becker) Toepke in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was the oldest of five children. He grew up on the family farm and enjoyed playing sports while growing up, most particularly baseball and football. He graduated from New Salem High School, North Dakota, in 1961.
In 1964, he became a confirmed member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, in New Salem, North Dakota, where he and Betty Klatt were married. They had four children – Sheila, Shane, Sharlys, and Shelby. Wayne worked for companies such as the North Dakota Highway Department, Peavey, John Deere, and Buttreys/Albertsons, where he finally retired after 35 years from his job as meat department manager and enjoyed the relaxing life of retirement.
Wayne was an avid sports lover and would watch any and every sporting event he could find on TV, which often meant three channels at a time and a radio broadcast on the side. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years.
Wayne was preceded in death by both of his parents; daughter Sheila Hay; and brother Randy Toepke.
He is survived by his wife Betty of Miles City; son Shane (Jamie) Toepke of Belgrade; daughter Sharlys (Dan) Davis of Chester; son Shelby (Ann) Toepke of Worden; son-in-law Blaine Hay of Duluth; brother Les (Sue) Toepke of Rapid City; sister Cheryl (Fred) Ripplinger of Phoenix; and brother Dean (Linda) Toepke of Ivins, Utah. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Andrew (Bridget) Hay, Kendra (Ian) Carlstrom, Emily (Grant) Duncan, Tanner Toepke, Ayden Toepke, Ayvre Toepke, Chelsea Davis, Cameron Davis, Mackenzie Smith, Colter Toepke, and Paige Toepke. He was also blessed with 3 great-grandchildren: Sylis Carlstrom, Adlee and Brinxlee Hay, and baby Duncan on-the-way, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the hospice team who so graciously cared for Wayne in his final days and allowed him to be home and comfortable, which was exactly what he wanted, as well as to Pastor Schreibeis for his many visits to the home.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 21 S. Center, Miles City, Montana 59301.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 2, 2017
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 2, 2017
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, MT
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Vern and Eileen says
Betty and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of hugs.
Laurie Huffman says
My condolences to you and your family, Betty.
Correen Toepke Major says
Betty and family, I am sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing! You are in my thoughts and prayers
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
Betty and Family, We were sad to hear that Wayne passed away. Praying for God’s comforting care for you all.
Corinne Green (Toepke) says
So sorry to hear of Uncle Wayne’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and sending you love.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Sharlys and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your dad. Hugs to you and your mom. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dawn Neal (Toepke) says
Sending you hugs and love. Uncle Wayne was a wonderful man. He will be missed.
Cathie Mann says
Dear Betty , Remembering Wayne from our Cousin reunions. So glad for those times. You are in my prayers.
Jim and Ann Willson says
so sorry to hear about wayne he was always so nice to visit with. we first met the Toepke family when Shelby was on my A.A.U. wrestling team back in the 1980’s. Wayne and family were such great supporters to the wrestling program. thank you Wayne you will be missed by many.
Jim and Ann Willson
Nanette Duncan says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Nan, Jay, and Zach Duncan
Covington, Louisiana
Jason Ripplinger says
Sorry very much for Wayne’s passing to Betty and her family. Will never forget the kindness you showed when I moved to Miles City.
Ern,Esther and Terry Nelson says
Thinking of everyone during this time and it’s hard to see them go ,but you know what he is and oh so much better there!!! Terry said he was so nice to work with him .
So we are sending our prayers that God be with all till we meet with him again.God Bless Comfort You All..
Dodie Paxson says
Betty & family,
It is with a heavy heart I post this. When I moved to Miles City you and Wayne were my first neighbors and greater neighbors can not be found. Sheila was Colie’s first babysitter and she left us way too early. Wayne will be so missed by all but he is at peace now and reunited with your beloved Sheila having a chat session about you left on earth. Cling to your good memories and may you find peace in the hard days ahead. If we can do anything please call. Love, Prayers, Peace and Hugs from all of us.
Dodie
Jennifer Winkley says
Prayers of comfort for the entire Toepke family. I enjoyed my time working with Wayne at Buttreys/Albertsons.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Betty and Family,
I’m so saddened and sorry to hear Wayne passed away. My heart and prayers are with you all today and in the coming months. May the Holy Spirit provide you all with the grace, courage, and strength to carry on without Wayne.
With prayers, much love, and sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Mary and Don says
So sorry to your whole family for losing someone that meant so much to you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken n Karen Strobel says
So sorry to hear this news, thinking of you all!
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Betty and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Wayne. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ruben and June Opp says
`Betty and family, We are so sorry to hear where Wayne went to his heavenly home Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time and the days ahead.
June and Ruben Opp
Sherry Oster says
Betty and family;
My thoughts and prayers to you during this very sad time.
Larry maize says
Sorry for your loss
Mona Magilke says
So sorry to hear of “Barney’s” passing. Sympathies and thoughts are with you today. He was a gentle man and a good friend to all who knew him. Bless his soul.