Michael P. Toepel

Michael P. Toepel, 79, of Salisbury, NH passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.  

Mike was born in Breslau, Germany September 28, 1944, to Oswald and Ruth (Wendriner) Toepel. This was during WWII when his father was imprisoned in a work camp. Mike, his mother and his brother were on a refugee train outside Dresden when the city was bombed. They were eventually reunited with his father, and they all immigrated to the US. Mike attended Brookline High School, served in the U.S. Navy and after some college work at Boston University, he was employed by Raytheon Corporation, where he discovered his passion for working with industrial lasers. He then founded Kentek Corporation, a laser technology company, in 1983. 

Mike was a devoted follower of Christ, which helped him to be a kind, patient, and generous man.

He was a brilliant inventor and entrepreneur, highly skilled in the development of laser technology. He held more than 10 patents in the field of laser technology.  

He was an avid outdoorsman. Each year for several years he biked over 300 miles from New Hampshire to Jackman, Maine. Subsequently, he became a supporter and member of Jeremy‘s Bootcamp, where he forged a lifelong bond with Jeremy. Mike cherished his time with his grandson, Brayden - always explaining to Brayden how things worked.  

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Joan (Ritchie) Toepel; five children, Christopher Toepel, Jennifer Petrero, Jonathan Toepel, Kristy Tobine, Michelle Toepel; and his sister-in-law, Lori Toepel. He also leaves behind the Ritchie family he married into, all of whom he adored and who will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his brother, Wolfgang Toepel.  

The family will receive visitors Monday, March 11th at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 172 King Street in Boscawen, NH. Guests will be invited to share thoughts and remembrances from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in the funeral home chapel. Mike will be laid to rest at Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville, TN at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you donate to The American Heart Association or your favorite charity. To view the online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://phaneuf.net/.