Wallace Toepke

Wallace E. Toepke, 83, Mandan, died January 20, 2012 at Medcenter One Hospital, Bismarck. Cremation has taken place and a private family service was held. Burial is at Mandan Union Cemetery with full military honors. Wallace was born April 21, 1928 in Judson to Emil and Millie (Kuller) Toepke. Raised and educated in Judson, he graduated from New Salem High School in 1948. In 1946 he enlisted in the US Army, serving 3 ½ years. During his service he earned the WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupational Medal (Japan), Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Campaign Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and 2 Overseas Bars. On August 11, 1952 he married Dolores Kary. Wallace worked at Standard Oil-Amoco-BP, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the American Legion for 56 years and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. In his younger days, Wallace enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. In his retirement, he liked tinkering in the yard and garden and especially helping friends whenever he could. Wallace is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dolores Toepke, Mandan; three sons, Pat, Jay, and Kirk Toepke; 5 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Dorothy Friesz and Mardelle Holle. Wallace was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clarence and Chester; and two sisters, Mildred Gaebe and Lucille Webb.