Norbert Topolski

      Norbert Harold Topolski, 86, of Lakeside, died peacefully at home, Sunday, December 18, 2022, in the comfort of his family's presence.

      His life began February 22, 1936 in Blue Island, Illinois, the middle of three children born to Alexander and Ruth Topolski. He married Joyce Ann Sirotek August 27, 1960 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

      Norbert served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961. While in the army, his best friend set him up on a blind date with Joyce. They were married three months later and moved to Blue Island, Illinois. Norb then began his truck driving career where he was fondly known as "Grumpy", driving for close to forty years. Norb, Joyce and the family enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time in Canada at his parents' cottage. He also enjoyed woodworking and taking care of his beloved property of almost fifty years. Special shout out to his Lakeside neighbors who assisted him and his tractor out of the ditch many times.

      Norbert will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Joyce Topolski of Lakeside; three daughters, Kathy (Lee) Ullmann of Mokena, Illinois, Laurie Topolski of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Krista (Duncan) Pankopf of Huntington Woods, Michigan; two sons, Norbert (Jacqueline) Topolski of Stafford, Virginia, Joseph (Colleen) Topolski of Three Oaks, Michigan; twelve grandchildren, Melanie (Steve) Groenendal, Matthew Holub, Melissa Snyder, Andrew (Christena) Holub, Corey (Jordan) Topolski, Lyndsey Topolski, Sarah (Chris) Sujka, Alicia Holub, Chloe Topolski, Jenna Topolski, Kendall Pankopf, MacKenzie Pankopf; six great grandchildren, twins Zoey Groenendal and Lily Groenendal, Drew Holub, Ava Holub, Aubrie Snyder, Myla Snyder; one brother, Kenneth Topolski of Alsip, Illinois; a host of nieces, nephews; and his rescue dog, Flower.

      He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, April Molinari; and one brother, Robert Topolski.

      Family and friends will gather Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11 :00 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer with visitation at the church beginning one hour earlier at 10:00 a.m. Norb will be laid to rest in Lakeside Cemetery in Chikaming Township at a later date.

      The family prefers contributions in memory of Norbert be made to Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025; or Trinity Lutheran Church, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, Michigan 49125; or Berrien County Animal Control, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022.

      Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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