Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Larry Toppert Obituary
Larry A. Toppert
August 13, 1950-June 6, 2022
One of Larry Toppert's favorite sayings was, "Let me tell you this about that." So, to say that Larry was 'one of a kind' is a bold understatement. Larry was East Moline's 1st Ward Alderman, an entrepreneur, an inventor, a farmer, an environmentalist, a chicken enthusiast, a trolley operator, a coach, a loving husband, father, grandfather and best friend and fierce advocate for many.
Larry A. Toppert passed away unexpectedly on June 6th, 2022, at his home. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th, 2022, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4501 7th Avenue in Rock Island.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Wildwood Church, 18717 Hubbard Road in East Moline. Burial will be in the Cordova Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the 'Larry Toppert Memorial Fund' at TBK Bank.
Larry was born August 13th, 1950, the son of Burdette C. "Charlie", and Beverly (Crandall) Toppert. He graduated from Riverdale High School in Port Byron, and Western Illinois University in Macomb.
Larry married Debra Hansen on October 4th, 1975, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline, and together they became pioneers and leaders in environmental waste remediation and industrial plant services.
Larry was the vice-chair of the Illini Hospital Board and also vice-chair of the Rock Island County Solid Waste Commission. Larry and Deb were named as the East Moline Citizens of the Year in 2012, and Larry was honored as the Illinois Inventor of the Year in 1993. He was also a member of the Operating Engineers, Local 150, and the American Society of Safety Engineers. Larry was a certified OHSA trainer, and a proud and devoted Democratic Party Precinct Committeeperson in South Moline Township.
Among his other community associations, Larry was a member of Short Hills Country Club and the Lindsay Park Yacht Club. He was also a member of the East Moline Rotary and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Larry was a dedicated and loyal member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, which he joined while a student at WIU. He also served on the URICRA board in Upper Rock Island County, and strongly supported girls' sports, coaching softball and basketball for many years.
Larry is survived by his wife Deb of East Moline, daughters, Wes (Scott) Polen of Vernon Hills, Illinois, Ali (Josh) Sallows of Port Byron, grandchildren, Paige and Parker Polen, and Jackson, Peyton and Piper Sallows. Larry is also survived by his brother Bob (Linda) Toppert of Albuquerque, New Mexico, sister Jeane (Tim) Studley of Richardson, Texas, sister-in-law Judy Toppert of Hillsdale, half-sister Michele Mullett of Rock Island (thanks to modern science), bonus daughter and her family, Shandrel, Bobby and Sky Starks of Chicago, and many nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Toppert, mother, Beverly Toppert, stepmother Marge Toppert, brother Charles Toppert, and niece Andrea Studley. Feel free to share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.
Larry's endless sense of honor and loyalty, and his humor, wit and caring heart will be forever remembered by so many.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Toppert
Dan Isaacsoi
June 2, 2025
Larry was the Big Top and he and my brother Jim were TKE brothers! They had many adventures together and he was there when my brother Jim passed away in December 2020. He will always be a hero to me, all who knew him and remember his kindness, generosity and Big Smile!
Dan Isaacson
June 10, 2022
Deb and Family
My sincere condolences to the Toppert family. Larry was a TKE brother and great friend. He was generous, kind, thoughtful and helpful to everyone he touched! God gave us the gift of knowing Larry and his wonderful heart for family and friends with joy, peace and love for one another!
Dan Isaacson
Stacey Miller
June 10, 2022
Deb and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was an amazing person who helped so many in our community in so many ways. I know there is nothing I can say to take away the pain , but know I will have your family in my thoughts and prayers and I will be available if you need anything.
My deepest condolences
Stacey Miller and Family
Jon Eastman
June 9, 2022
We didn´t send time around each other at Riverdale but I knew who he was and have heard some very loving, heartfelt things from friends who were close to Larry then and now. I wish I´d known him better. God bless to Larry and family.
Barb Novak
June 9, 2022
Deb and family...
Thoughts and prayers are directed towards you as you now mourn the passing of Larry from his earthly life into his new life in Christ.
I offer prayer in thanks for all that Larry accomplished as he gave so much of himself to help others.
May the love of the the Holy Spirit bring peace to your heart.
Love, Barb Novak
Terry wANGLER
June 9, 2022
Going to miss this jolly guy. Always telling stories and jokes and just a good old down to earth person.
Laurie (Rick) McGrath
June 9, 2022
My greatest sympathies to the entire Toppert Family. My heart aches for your loss.
Diana Lynn Caldwell
June 8, 2022
Larry will be missed. He was a friend. We also have fond memories of the joy he brought our daughter when she was a little girl. His visits and the attention he gave her while playing Santa are memories Kassy, Chris and I will never forget. He brought fun and joy to our lives.
Mark Crandall
June 8, 2022
I am so sorry to hear this news. I pray that God will comfort all of those who love him!
Roy Rich
June 8, 2022
Condolences to Family and many friends who knew Larry. Great guy and RIP Larry.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Larry Toppert's name
Memorial Events
for Larry Toppert
How to support Larry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Larry Toppert's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
