Fredrick Joseph Topp

Fredrick Joseph Topp

August 12, 1933 - September 25, 2025

“Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry” -Padre Pio

He was born August 12, 1933, to Joseph Topp and Marian (Reynolds) Topp of Richey, Montana. Shortly after his birth, dad, mom, and son moved to Fort Peck, where his father worked on the Fort Peck Dam. Fred was four years old when the family moved back to the Richey area and his dad took up farming. In 1942, the family moved to the Sydney area, and most of his growing up was spent there, on the farm. On the 27th of August 1952, Fred joined the Air Force and attended basic training in California. After basic he was assigned to Air Force bases in Missouri, Georgia, and North Carolina. After his assignment, he was sent overseas and was assigned to the 6127th Air Terminal Group at Ashiya, Japan. This was later changed to the 7th Aerial Port Squadron and was located at Tachikawa, Japan. Fred was released from active duty on March 27, 1957, and then returned to Sydney.

Fred met his wife, Lillian Walter, at a New Year’s Eve party, and on August 9, 1958, they were married at Raleigh, North Dakota, by her brother Father Ben (Chris) Walter. They were married in Saint Gertrude's Catholic Church, a rural church near Raleigh, North Dakota.

Fred and Lillian enjoyed dancing on the weekends, and their favorite dance was the waltz. They continued to live in Sydney for the next three years, and then in 1963, the family moved to Williston, North Dakota, where Fred worked for Fairmont Foods. In the spring of 1968, the family moved to Columbia Falls, Montana, and that fall, moved to Kalispell, Montana, where he has since lived.

In 1968, Fred was hired as the manager of the B&B clothing department, which later became Fred Meyer’s. Then Fred started work at Drug Fair in 1979 in their clothing department until the store closed in 1993. Fred took a year off to build his own home. He loved working with his hands and even took a course in building construction. Fred went on to construct his house, garage, as well as a garden shed and a horse barn.

As his children were growing up, he supported them in sports by coaching in minor leagues through Major League Baseball. He was also instrumental in helping the women’s softball league build baseball fields and backstops, along with other Husbands. His wife became involved in the girls' softball program, which lasted until they both retired from the program in 1988. As far as Fred was concerned, the girls' softball program was Lillian’s thing, but he was always there to support her.

Years later, after a long, bravely fought battle with cancer, Lillian passed away in 2002.

Fred's spiritual journey took a jumpstart in 1984 through the renewed program at Saint Matthew's that his family attended. From there, he spent two years in the “Deaconite” being ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Helena on November 15, 1992 by Bishop Curtis at Saint Matthews Church. In 1995, Fred was employed full-time by Saint Matthew's church. Fred served as a deacon for 20 years, overseeing social concerns and assisting those in need with clothing, food, and bill payments. He enjoyed preparing ministry food baskets for families during Thanksgiving and Christmas. As social concerns grew, it was named “Fred's Pantry”. Fred also organized the ‘hope tree’ for children needing Christmas gifts. Fred brought communion to homebound individuals and counseled those interested in joining the Catholic faith, guiding them on their spiritual journey. Fred was head of the prison ministry, helping inmates find Christ. Fred retired in 2011 from Saint Matthew's Catholic church.

Fred requested permission from the bishop to remarry, and permission was granted in 2008. On March 21, 2009, he married Patricia Casey at Saint Matthew's Catholic Church, by Father Vic Langhans.

In the final chapter of Fred's life, he was never alone. His wife Patricia, his companion in every season, walked beside him with a love that was both steady and tender. She gave him strength when his body grew weak, and comfort when the days felt long. Her presence was a quiet grace, reminding him that even as time slipped away, he was deeply cherished. Their love was a witness to God’s grace, and though he has gone to his eternal rest, the bond they built endures in Christ, who promises that love never ends.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, his mother Marrian, his father Joe Topp, as well as two brothers, Gerald and Edgar Topp, and his brother-in-law, Bob (Robert) Achelle. Stepdaughter Reneé Crocker.

He is survived by three daughters, Marcia Topp, Mary Bogan (Chris), and Melissa Topp (Shane). Three sons, Daniel Topp (Grace), David Topp (Denise), and Douglas Topp (Helen). Step Children, Julie Birk. Marie Bailey (Kenny), Missy Colley (Chris). 30 Grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Pat would like to thank everyone from Logan Health's 2nd and 3rd floors for their amazing support and care for Fred during his last days.