Obituary of William H. Topping II

Topping, William H. II “Bill”

Midland, Michigan

William “Bill” H. Topping II learned to love Michigan rivers, streams and beautiful forests when he was a boy. His lifelong love of nature and wildlife started at a young age as he explored the woods and played on the banks of the Tittabawassee River behind his childhood home on W. Main Street in Midland. He especially enjoyed searching for arrowheads and logging era artifacts, a love which continued well into his adult years. Bill was an avid reader of Michigan history and early Native American life. He attended St. Paul Seminary, Saginaw Valley State University and earned his PhD from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Bill was an adjunct professor of American History, Political Science and Michigan Archeology and taught at several local schools including, Delta, SVSU and Ferris State University.  He proudly served his country as a 1^st Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps, during Vietnam from 1969-1971. Bill found peace while he was in the woods and surrounded by nature. Fishing was a favorite activity. For several years, he lead or participated in numerous surveys of archeological sites in lower Michigan and enjoyed research of artifacts, military fire arms and muzzleloaders.

Bill was born on February 20, 1947 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to the late William Haydn and Dorothy Jane (Venner) Topping. His brother, Dale J. Topping, preceded him in death on August 3, 2020. 

Bill passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023 after a lengthy illness. He leaves behind his cousins, Mary (Robert) Ross Hess of Ossineke, MI, James Ross of Bryson City, NC and Bob (Nancy) Ross of Madison, WI and his devoted friends: Jeannie and George Schaller and Isabel Olvera.

FUNERAL SERVICE: In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Rite of Committal will take place at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Marine Corps and VFW Post # 822.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the Humane Society of Midland County or the Wounded Warrior. Project. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603.