MARVIN LEE TOPP, age 82
of New Bremen, died on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 7:11 A.M. at the Otterbein Senior Lifestyles of St. Marys. He was born on June 24, 1942 in New Bremen, the son of the late Walter H. and Angela C. (Berning) Topp. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda L. (Place) Topp, whom he married on November 23, 1961. Also surviving are his children: Kelli (Doug) Walker of Pataskala, Ohio, Gregg (Angie) Topp of New Bremen, Kurt (Rachel) Topp of West Salem, Ohio, and JuliAnne (Wes) Wyatt of New Bremen. Marvin has twelve grandchildren: Tyler (Catherine) Topp, Tessa (Seth) Hauts, Tanner (Shannon) Topp, Brennan Topp, Mick (Audri) Walker, Marissa Topp, Aaron Topp, Carson Wyatt, Casey Topp, Xavier Wyatt, Logan Topp, and Anna Topp, as well as nine great-grandchildren. Marvin is also survived by his siblings: Martha (Paul) Ewing, Doris Carr, and Thomas Topp; and his in-laws: Mary Lou Topp, and Tim (Kathy) Place. Along with his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by his brothers: Herbert (Helen) Topp and Donald Topp; his father in-law and mother in-law, Ira and Marjorie (Shappel) Place; and his in-laws: Jerry Carr, Jay (Sue) Hixenbaugh.
Marvin was a 1960 graduate of New Bremen High School. He loved his family, farming, showing his registered Holstein cattle from Toppation Farm, and playing music with “The Moonlighters” wedding band. He began playing drums at the age of 14 with his dad, brothers, and sisters in the “Topp Band” which eventually merged into the “Dicke Band,” then into “The Moonlighters,” playing music for a total of 62 years. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen where he sang in the church choir for many years. Marvin was affiliated with several associations over the years including: Buckeye Hustlers 4-H Club (where he had served as an advisor), the Farm Bureau Council for 50 years, the NOBA Board of Directors, the Ohio Holstein Association, and the National Holstein Association. Marvin and Linda enjoyed sporting events and many wonderful road trips with their New Bremen gang, and they also loved attending many of their grandchildren’s events from wresting to football and dance recitals to band concerts. According to one of his nurses, Marv was “a special one.”
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen with Pastor Bryan Trego officiating. Following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life at Speedway Lanes in New Bremen where a meal will be served. Private family inurnment will take place in the German Protestant Cemetery in New Bremen. Memorial contributions in memory of Marv may be made to the Cardinal Music Boosters or to St. Paul Church. Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Topp family online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.