Arnold Theodore Topka

Arnold Topka, 88, of Alvarado, MN, died on Thursday evening, March 16, 2023, in North Star Manor, Warren.

Arnold Theodore was born on July 11, 1934, in Grafton, ND, to Dominick and Stephie (Feltman) Topka. He was raised in Warsaw, ND, where he attended country school. The family later moved to Argyle, MN, where they farmed. Arnold was drafted into the US Army, honorably serving his country from 1957-1959 at Fort Ord in California. Upon his honorable discharge, Arnie lived in St. Paul, MN, where he worked at the Armour Company for 25 years.

While living in St. Paul, Arnie met and married Dorothy “Dee” Seigler. They raised their family together and moved to Alvarado in December of 1978. Arnie then went to work at Ryan Potato Company: a job he held for 18 years until his retirement. Arnold really enjoyed woodworking, remodeling homes, and snowmobiling. In his spare time he enjoyed yardwork, especially trimming hedges. He liked old-time country and polka music. But above all of this, Arnie loved spending time with his family.

Dee died on April 2, 2012, and Arnie continued living on his own until 2016, when he became blind. He worked hard to re-learn how to do everyday things and persisted in taking care of his own needs as long as he was able. He was raised a Catholic, attended Lutheran church for decades with his wife, and received last rites in the faith of his childhood.

Arnold is survived by his children, Nancy of Hugo, MN, Jeanne (John) of Alamo, TX, Tim of Oakdale, MN, Danny (Irma) of Fayetteville, NC, Jack (Karen) of Fifty Lakes, MN, Jim of Branson, MO, Diana (Gary) and Laurie (Doug) both of Thief River Falls, MN; 23 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a brother, Raphael (Geraldine); sisters-in-law, Patricia and Bobbi; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, Dee, Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarion, Clarence, George, and LeRoy; sister, Cecelia; and siblings-in-law, Janet, Donna Marie, John, and JoAnne.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 2:00 PM, in New Hope Lutheran Church, Alvarado, MN.
VISITATION: Monday evening, March 20, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM; Prayer Service at 6:00 PM; in DuBore Funeral Home Chapel, Warren, MN.
INTERMENT: Oak Lawn Cemetery, Alvarado, MN.