Merton Toop

On April 6, 2016 our beloved husband, father, grandfather (Opa), and great-grandfather passed away. He was born May 20, 1927 to Frederick and Emma (Schliep) Toop in Morris, MN, the youngest of eight children. In 1944 Dad came to the Yakima valley with his parents and brothers to farm in the Toppenish area. Drafted into the army Dad was stationed in Germany where he met his future wife of 58 years, Emmi. After his discharge they settled outside of Zillah to farm and raise a family. Born into the Great Depression generation he worked hard his entire life to provide for his family. Dad didn’t take vacations, he didn’t have hobbies, he worked. In addition to family, the other important thing in Dad’s life was his faith and life-long membership in the Lutheran church. We will all miss him greatly, but take comfort in his own words: “I’ve had a good life.” Dad was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters, 2 brothers, and grandson Shad Strother. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Emmi, and children Delores (Mike) Strother, Peter (Corinne) Toop, Jean (Montez) Toop, and Eugene (Sheri) Toop; grandchildren Mary Eades, Andrew and Adam Toop, Seth Strother, Emali Toop, and Paige Toop. He was also close with two of his nephews, Ernie and Leonard Toop. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran church of your choice or to Cottage in the Meadow. The family would like to express appreciation to the staff at Cottage in the Meadow for the care they provided to Dad and all of us in our time of need. Thanks also to Dr. Shenoi and the caring staff at North Star Lodge. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merton Toop, please visit our flower store.