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John Sponsel Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Sponsel
Sponsored by Cheryl Hammack.
Susan Mecredy
February 23, 2021
Susan Mecredy
February 23, 2021
Susan Mecredy
February 23, 2021
Still thinking of you after all these years.
Kathryn Deere
February 24, 2020
You touched so many lives in such positive ways. You are remembered
Susan Mecredy
November 15, 2013
Topper, you would be amazed at how wonderful those apples trees you gave me back in 2004 have done this year! They will always be a reminder to me of your wonderful friendship. Thanks so much.
Joe Laur
November 6, 2012
I knew topper back in our teens At the lakewoods resort Near cable Wisconsin.I helped him lay the foundation for a ski chalet near Mount Telemark.
Though I haven't seen him in decades. I'll always remember this bright happy energy. Interestingly I now grow apples myself and make hard cider. Rise ever higher Topper.
Susan Mecredy
May 24, 2011
Topper, It was great to be back at the orchard again! I have been back several times since your home going and visited all the favorite trees. But yesterday being there with many of our favorite people was just a little like having you back again. Susan K. is doing a very good job with picking up the pieces and we all will do our very best to take the place back to what we all envisioned it to be - a place where all can feel loved and accepted and encouraged in their life and produce the best apples in the state of Minnesota and beyond! What a ministry this is!!!! I want to do you proud- Your bosom friend, Susan M
May 22, 2011
Topper we went back to the orchard for the first tome today. It was the first time Clint had been there. So much of you is still there. The blossoms were beautiful and so many people who love you were there working to make things work again!
Lucille Wright
March 12, 2006
Topper:
Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart and in all our hearts, for our loss of you, here on earth. Only your faith in God sustains us, as we bear this sorrow, alone and together.
As your Dad's office manager from 1953 - 1963, our families lived a glorious life - both professionally and personally -- two families joined as one. In all the years since 1963, when separated by distance of miles, you and yours continued to be an inspiration to everyone.
Your daughters have much to be proud of in the familial inheritance you gave them and leave to them, to forever enjoy as a SPONSEL.
Truly, a magnificent heritage.
These treasured writings tell it all to the world.
God is blessing Topper for a job well done!
"Mrs. Wright"
(the boss! - as you so aptly shouted - so often.)
Cindy Daoud
March 9, 2006
To the Sponsels,
My deepest sympathy in Topper's passing. His orchard was a favorite spot for many (certainly my daughter's & mine). He will be missed.
Todd Kellogg
March 6, 2006
I'm very shocked and sad to hear that Topper has died,my brother John informed me this past weekend.I'm very grateful to have been a classmate of Topper's at Edina from Highland's elementary in 1959 to Valley View Jr high in 1965 thru Edina High School Class of 1971. Topper was definitely a class act: an exceptional student,athlete and business owner/operator.One of my fondest memories was being a cross country and track teammate with Topper and training for the 1 mile run with coach Nilo Hendricksen shouting "Kellogg take the lead."It was tough to take the lead from Topper whether it was in class or on the track,he was just a great person and competitor.He was always a joy to see at our class reunions in 1981,1991 and most recently in 2001.What makes this so tough right now is that he's gone,but I can still see him smiling as he won the 1 mile run.God bless you and your family always,with fond memories Todd Kellogg.
With Topper (right) atop Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest point, on his last day as a man. His spirit lives on.
Rick Sponsel
March 6, 2006
We just arrived home from the funeral, which was very beautiful. Our best friends from school and college came from all over the country, and it was as though we'd all never been apart.
I thought you might enjoy one of the more amusing and thought-provoking condolences I've received in the past few days. Ted Maddess, a leading psychophysicist from the Australian University in Canberra wrote to me briefly about two of his best friends who'd also died suddenly without warning, and then added:
" I sometimes wonder if humans aren’t cursed into perceiving time backwards. The other way makes much more sense. So, you rise from the dust a craggy, grumpy old man, get ever younger and more innocent, then you disappear up some nice young lady. Perfect! So maybe Topper just got a late start and achieved innocence all the quicker."
B
elow is part of the message I sent to friends the day after Topper died:
"We'v
e endured a remarkable series of events here in the past few days. I have now reached the highest summits of 36 states, the last two in the Adirondack Mountains in New York (Mount Marcy) and above Stowe, Vermont, (Mount Mansfield). I invited my brother, Topper, who runs the apple orchard business in Minnesota to join me, and bought him a ticket from Minneapolis to Burlington, Vermont, where we met on Thursday night last week. We crossed Lake Champlain south of the Canadian border and made our way to the hills surrounding Mt. Marcy, where we began our trek at 5 am, Friday. It took 15 hours through the snow and ice for me to reach the summit and descend, but it was exhilarating. My brother went to within 2000 feet of the tree line and spotted for me below, as I continued on to the summit with 2 climbers from Montreal. When I came down he was eager to get to the next mountain high point in New Hampshire, near the home town of Bode Miller. But the next day the snow and fog were too dense for safe climbing, so we stayed down near the village at the base of Mount Washington and had some fun skiing and riding the 19th century cog railway. That evening we drove to Stowe, Vermont, where we had a pleasant dinner and spent the night. At dawn we dressed warmly for our ascent of Mt. Mansfield, and the appended pictures show my brother in transit, and both of us at the summit. We had such a great 3 days, enjoying our favorite music as we drove through beautiful mountains and trekked through fresh deep powder snow, past towering cathedralic ice formations, weaving through the cliff faces. After we summited and skied down Mount Mansfield through the Stowe Resort, Topper drove me back to Burlington catch my afternoon flight to San Antonio. He then went to find a local hotel where he could spend the night before his flight back to Minnesota the next morning. He apparently made friends with the staff there, and after a few hours rest, set off through the town to return our rental SUV. Around 9 pm that evening, while I was on my plane writing a resident lecture, my brother collapsed on the sidewalk in Burlington Vermont and died of a heart attack. We are all devastated here. Devoted friends are helping to organize a tribute concert that will follow his funeral in Minnesota this Saturday, and musicians from around the country will be coming to play in his honor...But he will not be back, and I am hurting. I feel so grateful to have been able to share such a great last few days with him. We had the most wonderful time together, and I somehow sense he is still quietly winding through the powder pondering creative new ways to inspire us all."
A stage was indeed constructed at the Minnesota Harvest Orchard and his memorial service was a standing-room-only event, complete with The Rochester Community Gospel Choir in full African regalia, a Russian vocal ensemble, and Christian Rock band. The service was followed by a feast prepared by Topper's hardworking crew and friends, and ensuing music included a Mariachi band, Country/Rock recording artist Rick Monroe from California, Reggae artist T5 Valladeres from Colorado (whose old group opened for U2 in the 1980's), and at least a dozen other musicians. It was a great celebration of an unforgettably creative and compassionate brother, who worked hard and befriended everyone he met.
Kitty (Tucker) Archer
March 6, 2006
Stan-Jo, Steve-Jo and the entire Sponsel family,
My brother, Jim, and I are very shocked to hear of Topper's passing. Jim shared with me the many, many memories he has of you and your family at the Orchard and all the misc places you've been together. Topper and the rest of your family will be in my prayers. God bless.
LINNEA (BROWN) BERG
March 5, 2006
TO MY DEAR SPONSEL FAMILY: HOW CAN THIS EVER BE? TOPPER, THE TINY, MEWING BABY SALLY AND I HAULED UP IN THE TREEHOUSE AT MY HOUSE HAS GROWN AND BEEN TAKEN ALREADY? OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE HEARD SUCH WONDERFUL THINGS FROM MY FAMILY ABOUT HOW TOPPER TOOK OVER AND GREW THE ORCHARD TO BE A WORLD CLASS PLACE, OF GOOD FOOD, GREAT COMPANY, AND WHOLESOMENESS. MY DAD AND BROTHERS (PAUL AND ROLF), WHO HELPED WITH SOME BUILDING AT THE ORCHARD, HAD SUCH RESOUNDING PRAISE FOR TOPPER. THEY KNEW HIM AS A GROWN MAN, COMPETENT, HONEST AND GENUINE. I REMEMBER HIS "LITTLE SELF" THUNDERING AROUND THE HOUSE AS SALLY AND I BRAVELY TRIED TO BE LITTLE GIRL HELPERS; THIS WHILE ARMIES OF INTENT TINY BOYS INVADED EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY. WHAT AN HONOR! TO HAVE KNOWN THIS MAN FROM A TINY BABE AND THEN TO SEE HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THIS WORLD...........A WORLD THAT SEEMS BENT ON DENYING THE HUGE GIFTS THAT TOPPER BROUGHT. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO ALL THE SPONSELS, ESPECIALLY, TOPPER'S CHILDREN, SALLY, SUSIE AND SKIPPER, AS WELL AS TO THE MYRIAD OF FRIENDS HE LEAVES BEHIND. LINNEA BERG
Chay Douangphouxay
March 4, 2006
Topper,
My dear friend in this world. I miss you so much! I still can't believe that you are no longer here with me. I hope you will forgive me that I did not go to your burial grounds. I couldn't do it. I am not strong enough. I don't want to see and remember you that way!
Being in the orchard today, I felt as though I was stopping by to visit you and you were out
somewhere in the field or on a vacation for the weekend!
Now I have to accept that you won't be there to greet me with that wonderful smile and hug me everytime I come by to see you. You won't be on the other line when I call you.
I will always remember every moment in the orchard with you! The image of us riding through the sunset on our horses. How much you love basil seed drink and your name for it, "frog eyes!" You taught me the true meaning of happiness and how to appreciate the simplicity of life.
You will always remain apart of me!
Love Always,
Chay
Jerry & Jan Parman
March 4, 2006
With our deepest sympathy, we heard of Topper's passing. He was an exceptional man. I will now cherish the time spent with him on the ski hills and in the orchard. God bless him and all his family. Jerry & Jan(Cuccia) Parman
Galina Gabrielle
March 4, 2006
For for my dear friend, Topper.
I have written this song in Ukrainian which I would like to sing for you today as we say goodbye.You will be in my heart always.
Fly away my silver dove
Fly beyond the blue
For there you will forget your sorrow and grief
Fly my bird where stars are burning
For here angry people don't cherish you
The silver dove is flying
He's unstoppable now
My heart will grieve for him
He's flying beyond the blue sky, beyond the blue sea
For there he will forget his heavy burdens
Fly my darling, fly my beloved dove
Even though my heart is breaking without you
Fly my darling, on silver wing
For here sadness is the fate of the lonely
The silver dove is flying
He's unstoppable now
Victor Branitski
March 4, 2006
It was a privilege for me to know Topper for over 25 years, as a dear friend, and as a Brother in the Lord. We met at his parents' home when they were hosting Bible studies for Russian immigrants. More recently Topper became a close friend and Brother to the members of our Grace Slavic Church in Eagan. Our people just loved Topper. He was always excited to learn something new, trying to learn the Russian alphabet and Russian words. He loved the music, he loved the fellowship around the table, tasting the delicious food the ladies created with his great apples. He was an encouragement to everyone, especially the young people, inviting the youth group and families for wonderful, fun days at his beloved orchard. My family and I will always remember Topper for his kindness, generosity, his joyful spirit! He was a hardworking man with great vision and enthusism. Even though Topper experienced personal family sadness and many trials, he never gave up hope and faced every situation with optimism. Topper was a godly man who found his strength in the Lord.
Topper, my dear friend, I will miss you so very much. Remember, "eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither it entered into the mind of man what the Lord had prepared for His own." You are His own by faith in your beloved Jesus.
Peace to you,
Your friend and your pastor,
Victor Branitski
Leslie and Kyle Tidstrom
March 3, 2006
To the Sponsel family: We're so sad to hear about Topper's passing. Each stop by the orchard or phone call - his friendly demeanor always came through and he would always take the time to chat and catch up on our family and update us on all that was going on in his life. The memories that stand out to me the most are: duck hunting in the slough by the rail road tracks, helicopter rides with grandma Phyllis Parman at the orchard, hay rides around the Christmas lights, the Dirt Band and Marty Stuart concerts in 04 and 05 - what fun, great dreams, great times - great friend TOPPER we'lll miss you for now, until we're together again with Christ.
David Gray
March 3, 2006
Dear Sponsel Family:
May God bless you and keep you during these days. I was sad to hear about Topper's death. I grew up in his neighborhood (we were just across Interlachen Blvd)and so we did alot of stuff together. I remember playing baseball with him, sometimes on the vacant lot across the street from the house, where Topper procured a sod cutter to dig out baselines! I also remember the underground forts that he and his brothers made in the wooded area behind their house on Merilane. I think we had paper routes together in the Rolling Hills area. I was fortunate to connect with him again at the 30th High School Reunion for the Class of '71. He was the same old enthusiatic and positive minded Topper I knew "way back when."
Anne-Helene Gutierres
March 3, 2006
Topper and his writing skills, Topper and his kindness and generosity. I just heard the news from Paris and cannot believe it. I loved going with my friends to the Apple Orchad, Topper made me discover a beautiful part of MN: snowshoeing with the moonlight, the hayrides... every time I have an apple in my hand in Paris or different parts of the world, I will always remember him.I remember all the beautiful things Topper taught us. My deepest condoleances to the family. Topper will always be in my heart.
Anne-Helene
Bob Schroer
March 3, 2006
Our Deepest Sympathy to Topper's extended family.
Topper a true friend in our apple world. We bought, we sold, we competed, and we learned. We enjoyed every season, every year, we will mis him greatly.
Bob's Produce Ranch
Bob, Dick and Mike Schroer
Bob Porter
March 3, 2006
To the Sponsel's,
My family's deepest sympathy and condolences to your entire family. I knew Topper in high school where we were friends and teammates. His ready smile and example made our workouts a little lighter. Years later our friendship was renewed when we returned to Minnesota. His enthusiasm for the orchard, the kindness he showed everyone, and his deep Belief is a worthy legacy. We'll miss you Topper.
Shawn Corwin
March 3, 2006
Topper was such an enjoyable person for me to have met and worked with in the tourism industry. He was so creative and so enthusiastic to share his pride in his family, his workers, and his orchard that you couldn't help but be proud for him and let everyone know about this great person and place to visit. We will truly miss his smile and sincere heart.
Carolyn Lollar-Cobb
March 3, 2006
A seed grows into a tree, and with Gods love branches out into the sun bearing fruit for all.
So did my cousin Topper. I will miss him so much.
Love Always
Jack Weston
March 3, 2006
My deepest regrets to the Sponsel Family after hearing of Topper's passing. Having known Topper and his family since 1960 it is hard to imagine Topper has left us so soon. It was quite an experience living next door to the Sponsel's on Merilane in the early 60's. The Sponsel's became like an extended family to me and my sisters. As Rick e-mailed me recently , it was a very cool childhood. I totally agree. Below are tibits of my memories of Topper and his family from our childhood days which may spark further memories from whoever reads this and was there:
The Green short wheel base family bus.
Topper getting his leg stitched up by the Doc (his father Ken) after playing around with his brothers.
The tornado that hit Fridley in 1965 and damaged or destroyed the Sponsel's uncles home.
Playing army with Topper, Rick Skip, Mike Walsh and perhaps David and raising havoc in our neighborhood.
Attending the Sponsels Baptist church on 50th and Upton in Minneapolis.
Going on camping trips with Topper and his brothers.
Filling in on the Sponsel paper route when the family was out of town.
Painting the windows and trim on the Sponsels house and some of the families rental properties.
Watching Topper, Rick, and I believe Skip compete at Vail,Co in a skiing competion back in 1969.
Skips cool new Schwinn Bike!( we were all in awe at the time)
The Edina High School marching band with as I recall Susan as the majorette leading the band down Merilane ( I think Rick or Topper was watching it from up in an oak tree at the bottom of their driveway.
Susan being crowned Junior Miss Minnesota.
The house the Sponsels built on the hill in their back yard. The Sponsel brothers gained advanced carpentry skills at a very young age.
The underground fort that Topper and his brothers built on the hill in their back yard. Each of the brothers had rooms or tunnels with their own names. We spent many hours inside the various rooms and tunnels. Candles were used to light the main room and the various tunnels. Rick's tunnel was named William Eric Tunnel.
Sally's wedding ceremony in the back yard.
Topper and his mom at Fox's clothing store at the miracle mile in St. Louis Park where Topper was fitted by Mr. Fox himself for perhaps his first suit.
Topper having dinner at my parents condo in Cable Wi.
Spending time with the Sponsel family at the cabin they built in Cable,Wi and skiing at Mt. Telemark.
Driving up to Cable,Wi with Skip at the helm thru Stillwater, Mn for a weekend ski trip. Topper and Rick were along on this trip.
There are many many more but the above memories are ones that come to mind first. Topper I am glad I was able to see you at the Orchard a couple times over the last 10 years or so. We had some great chats up in your office and discussed many of my memories listed above. Your old sign collection is way cool! Topper thanks for the memories! Thanks for being a friend. But most of all thanks for not being afraid to be yourself and help others. We all miss you my friend.
Warmest Regards,
Ron Wilkinson
March 3, 2006
I was shocked to hear of "Topper's" passing. I met him when he wanted to start his concert series at the orchard. He had big plans to entertain people and bring new business to the county. I for one was impressed with his abaility to get it all going. What a lost to everyone who knew him. I for one will miss you good friend. Everytime I see an apple, I'll think of my old friend "Topper." God Speed!
LUCKY COWBOY
Craig Wright
March 2, 2006
To the Sponsel family:
I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Topper's passing. Althought it has been far too many years since we have been together, the many memories of growing up in Edina are still fresh. It has been said that the true wealth and measure of a man is reflected by those that he has touched. In reading thru these posts, it is obvious to me that we have lost a true gentleman.
I'm glad that I had the opportunity to speak with some of you last year, while dining with my mother in downtown Rochester. Please know that you all have a special place in my heart.
Scott and Robin Anderson
March 2, 2006
Topper may the good lord rest your soul. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. We will miss you. god bless you.
Scott and Robin Anderson
March 2, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to all of Toppers family and his special daughters. We met Topper thru a mutual freind a few years ago and from the instant we met him we knew he had a huge heart and alot of love for life. The past few years in sept/oct we would load up all of our neices and nephews and even the dog into our motorhome and spend the entire day at the orchard having fun, picking apples,hay rides listening to music and making memories. He was always so happy to have us there and spend time with us and showing the kids the ins and outs of the big orchard, thanks to you Topper we have some great memories that will last a lifetime.
You were a kind soul and my god be with you, your freinds Scott and Robin
Andy De Lisi
March 2, 2006
Sometimes trying to find the words seems almost impossible.... Topper we did business together for 10 years. I always looked forward to August & September, when the local orchards began their harvest. Then you and I got to work together, and I always really enjoyed that. It was truly a pleasure getting to know you and working with you. Thank you for those moments. Take care my friend. You will be missed by many.
Greg Williams
March 2, 2006
To the entire Sponsel family, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Topper and felt the need to write my feelings about who he was. I was fortunate enough to meet Topper who was a client of mine when I worked for Sysco Minnesota in the late nineties. We became friends and stayed in touch even after my leaving Sysco. He was truly a genuine and sincere person who I appreciated knowing and proud to call a friend. He always had a smile and greeted me with such enthusiasm. His passion for Minnesota Harvest was so impressive! It's hard to find people who actually realize that sentimental value is worth more than any monetary or financial reward and that is how I can best describe Topper's charactor and genuine qualities. We will miss you my friend but we'll NEVER forget you!
Gene Flicek
March 2, 2006
To the entire Sponsel family but especially to Susan and Danny who during one period of my life I knew best...my heartfelt sympathy on the news of Topper's death. I just heard today at lunch from my daughter's husband Pete of Topper's passing. Topper was a special man; I feel privileged to have met him and known him...even for the short time that I did. Just knowing he is gone from this earth saddens me; he surely is creating smiles in HEAVEN! God Bless you all! I lift your entire family up in prayer to God for strength in this loss.
Adair Rosenow
March 2, 2006
There are a few people one meets in their life that seem to have a very special impact. Topper was one of those people. His energy, his spirit, his dreams were contagious to those around him. We will miss him deeply.
Adair & Lisa Rosenow
Richard Danielson
March 2, 2006
For the family members of Topper
I went to Edina High School with Topper and graduated with him in 1971 and remember him as a guy i looked up to and even admired back then.Though we were never close friends i can remember John being very popular and extremely well liked by most everyone, though i seemingly remember him being somewhat shy in those days. My heartfelt sympathy for your family is being prayed for today and know that for John the best is yet ahead as he meets Jesus in Heaven!
Richard J Danielson
Edina High School Class of 1971
.
Betsy Walsh McCarthy
March 2, 2006
My dear Sponsel's, I am so sad to hear Sopper Tonsil has left us. I think of you all often as I drive by the billboards on our way to St. Peter. My mom and dad are alive and well and I will pass to them this sorrow. Brother Pat and Mike and I have you all in our prayers. Rick, David, Stevie, Daniel, Sue, and the older girl and who am I missing ... love you all.
Michael Diehl
March 1, 2006
To my dear friend Topper:
In my three and one half years of knowing you it felt like I knew you my entire life. Your wonderful spirit and love of life will live on in me.
You have had a profound impact on everyone you have touched especially me and I will treasure our time forever. You are truly my brother. God's speed my friend.
I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Michael Diehl and Family
Jacqueline Ruhland
March 1, 2006
Dear Sponsel family,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Topper's death. Please accept my sincerest sympathy--his siblings, their families, and his children. What a fine, fine man he was.
I met John for the first time almost 25 years ago while a guest at his mother's home in Edina(housesitting while she was away on a missionary trip to Africa). While I had only just met him, John struck me then as a "take charge" person, a man of highest integrity, who loved and cared deeply for his mother and his family--an extremely respectful man. I reconnected with John just two years ago when an acquaintance of his, my younger brother Greg, reintroduced us. I paid a visit to the orchard for a day of talking, laughing, dining together. We talked for hours, and John shared with me some of his hopes, dreams, struggles and heartaches. He was always the utmost gentleman, loved people, deeply loved Christ. He gave me a tour of the land that he so cherished, showing me the orchard operation, sharing with me the book that he wrote, offering me some of the fruits of his labor (jellies and spreads that he had canned), and introducing me to his beloved coworkers...a cook, a beekeeper, a laborer, and his minister. I got the impression that they seemed like "family" to him. He loved them, and they loved him.
He shared with me his experience of a trip he took to Telluride to visit his brother, David. It was the highlight of his year, that year, and he talked of his brother with great pride. He mentioned all of his siblings to me and the love he had for each of you. And his children...SO special to him. He missed them deeply, and wanted them to know how much he loved them.
John kept the faith that his life was going in a positive direction and that things were going to get better. He was a deeply spiritual man. It struck me in such a positive way that he took time out while we were together that morning to ask blessing before we ate breakfast. So rare in this day.
I kept in contact with John a time or two after our meeting, but time and a busy life didn't allow for many more get togethers.
I only want to say that I think of John as one of God's finest...and I'm sure he is Home and at peace as I write. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that you are all in my prayers.
Jackie Ruhland, Maple Grove, MN
Craig Wahl
March 1, 2006
There have been a few men in my life that I have met, called a friend, and watched how their lives have changed. Those men have made an impact on my life. "Topper" was one of those men! His life was a tremendous testimony to our God's powerful influence through one man's life. My prayers have immediately been with the loved one's left behind as he entered into LIFE EVERLASTING!
Garry and Ann Jones
March 1, 2006
Topper was such a wonderful person. We were shocked to hear that he had passed away. We always had such a great time when we went to the Orchard. Our boys loved to go and just run and have fun. Topper was always a fun guy to be around. He will be missed.
Ed Rabideaux
March 1, 2006
we are sorry to here about topper he will be missed greatly, mary & Ed rabideaux ,Bayfield fruit co.
Susan Mecredy
March 1, 2006
Topper loved God, people and life. He was my closest friend and I will miss our talks, our prayer times, our walks thru the orchard our experiments of food and growing different plants. I never knew anyone who had a bigger heart and found something special and remarkable about all of God's creation. I will miss all the fun we shared and look forward to meeting him again "on the other side". I love you, Topper.
David Schulze
March 1, 2006
To the entire Sponsel family, I am very sorry. Topper and the orchard were a part of my life since I was a child, and I enjoyed going there to visit. Over the past several years the orchard was a favorite place to visit for my children. Topper always was excited to see them and made them feel special. Topper had a way with my kids and they talk about him often. They loved going to the orchard and we will all miss seeing Topper !
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