Bernie Top

BERNIE TOP was born on June 4, 1926 to John and Jennie (Kuiper) Top on a farm near Lester, Iowa. He was raised in the Hills, Minnesota area and attended Larchwood #1 country school through the eighth grade. Following his education he continued helping on the farm. On November 10, 1948 Bernie was united in marriage to Jeanette Vander Weerd at the Steen Reformed Church in Steen, Minnesota. The couple began their life together, which was blessed with five children. Through the years the family moved as Bernie farmed in the Edgerton, Minnesota, Valley Springs, South Dakota, and Luverne, Minnesota areas. In 1997, Bernie officially retired from farming, but continued to help on the farm with however he was needed. In January 2015 he became a resident at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills where on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Bernie went to be with his Lord at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 23 days.

Bernie was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. During his life, he served as Deacon and Elder in the various churches he was a member. He loved to play fastpitch softball and was even still pitching a few innings into his 60s. Later in life, Bernie enjoyed woodworking. He especially loved playing with his grandchildren as family was very important to him.

Bernie is lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Jeanette; five children, Brenda (Glenn) Schaap of Sioux City, Iowa, Marlon Top of Steen, Terry Top of Shererville, Indiana, Brian (Gloria) Top of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Nancy (Drew) Schelhaas of Sioux Falls; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan Fransman of Hills; a sister-in-law, Rena Top of Milaca, Minnesota; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Jennet Van Holland and Jennie Vander Wal; and eight brothers, Albert, Henry, Clarence, John, Ralph, Frank, Herm and Marinus Top.

Memorials may be directed to the Luke’s Society.