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Frederick “Fred” C. Toplikar
Frederick “Fred” C. Toplikar
Cedar Rapids
Frederick “Fred” C. Toplikar, 86, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023, at his home. His earthly body was cremated in accordance with his wishes. A celebration of Fred’s life will be held, starting at noon on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Marion American Legion Hall, located at 625 31st St., Marion, Iowa.
Fred was born on Dec. 10, 1936, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Carl and
Frances (Marriott)
Toplikar.
He spent his early years in Olathe, Kan., graduating from St. John Memorial High School in 1954. He was a member of the 4-H program and Future Farmers of America (FFA). Fred went on to earn dual bachelor degrees in Animal Science and Psychology at Kansas State University while participating in many State and National Livestock Judging events, and graduated in 1959.
In 1960, Fred started his career with Wilson Foods at the Kansas City Stockyards as a Cattle Buyer. In 1972, he judged at the prestigious American Royal Livestock Show choosing the Grand Champion Steer. In 1974, he went on to become the Manager of Cattle Procurement in Cherokee, Iowa. In 1977, he continued with Wilson Foods in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as Manager of Cattle Procurement. Later, in 1991 he worked for Lynch Livestock in Waucoma, Iowa as Hog Procurement Manager where he retired in 2006.
On May 27, 1961, Fred was united in marriage to Patricia Johnson at Christ the King Catholic Church in Kansas City, Mo. He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal until 1965. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Fred enjoyed gardening, playing cribbage and barbequing with family. He left a great void in our lives, but with many cherished memories.
Fred is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Toplikar; three children, Linda Toplikar, Mark Toplikar and Charles (Lorie) Toplikar; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Jo) Toplikar; one niece and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fred’s memory may be directed to the Gary Sinise Foundation at www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate.
Please share a memory of Fred at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
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