Harold Eugene Toepke

Born October 10, 1921 in Bloomington, he was the 9th of 11 children to Ludwig Herman and Erna M. (Peplow) Toepke. He married Marilyn M. Park on September 1, 1946. Their love for each other lasted for 69 years until her death in 2015.

Surviving are three sons, Jerry (Susan) Toepke of Oregon, Ronald Toepke of Manito, and Randall (Sandi) Toepke of Metamora; four grandchildren, John (Michaela) Toepke, Kylie (Nick) Boyer, Tara (Daniel) Ballard, and Stephanie Toepke; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Lyle (Kaz) Toepke; sister-in-laws, Anita Toepke and Nadine Nichols; and many nieces and nephews.

Harold grew up on his parent’s farm, helping family haul baked goods and produce to town each Saturday. Harold attended Bloomington High School for 3 years and graduated from Danvers High School, where he was their 1st FFA President. One of his proudest memories was attending the National 4-H Leadership Conference in Chicago, the ultimate 4-H award.

Once married, Harold farmed another 22 years and loved working the land. He was a 4-H leader for 15 years and was involved with the Tazewell County Farm Bureau. After leaving the farm, he transitioned into working for Tazewell Builders in Tremont.

He was a charter member of a pinochle club that was established in 1949 and continued playing with two original charter members until 2019. He also found enjoyment in poetry and became a member of a poetry group, delighting in the creativity and interactions with other members.

He was a member of St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley for 70 years.

Private visitation and funeral will be Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley. The Rev. Chris Sansom and DCE Bill Krueger will officiate. Burial will be at Sand Prairie Cemetery in rural Green Valley.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, Green Valley, IL 61534.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com