Roger Topp

Karlton Topp

Melanie Topp

Karl Topp, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many died peacefully at age 84 in Danville, CA on September 21, 2020.
Born September 12, 1936, to Albert Lee Topp and Maurine Mathieson Topp in Beloit, Wisconsin, Karl enjoyed a loving childhood in his home state, of which he was always fond.  From a young age he was a dedicated musician, having a trombone assigned to him by a music teacher when he was a boy, "because of his nice, long arms", a story oft recalled with pride by his mother, Maurine.
Karl graduated from the University of Wisconsin, where he proudly played in the Badger Band, in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance. He then served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, and was able to import his beloved Mercedes upon return to the US. (see pic).  Not long after he met Martha Mitchell Turncock and they were married on August 23, 1964, in Evanston, IL.  Karl and Marty made their home together in Evanston and then later in Glenview when children arrived on the scene.
Karl enjoyed a long career in commercial real estate, beginning in Chicago with Harris Trust, then to North Shore National Bank, and then to First Chicago wherein 1980 he was promoted and transferred to launch their West Coast business. When the bank called them back to Chicago – Karl and Martha decided to stay put in sunny California and he spent the last chapter of his career with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. During his time in California, Karl lived east of San Francisco in the idyllic town of Moraga, and later in lovely Danville.
His best years were spent in retirement: traveling the world with his wife Martha and dear friends; spending time at their second-home in Serene Lakes (Tahoe) snow-shoeing and birdwatching; playing countless rounds of golf with his son, his buddies, and the crew from SIR’s in Danville; and of course, many, many hours tooting away on the Trombone. True to his nickname, “T-bone” Topp, was a staple in local Community Bands and Orchestras and always volunteered to sit-in with the high-school musicals when they needed a veteran to help carry a tune. He spent many afternoons facilitating Trombone lessons for his Grandson Isaac – passing along his love for Brass and the traditions of T-Bone Topp’s.
Throughout his life, Karl was an active member of the Christian Science Church, always volunteering on committees and most recently as the Treasurer of the Danville CS Church. He served on the Boards of both the Albert Baker Fund and the Arden Wood facility in San Francisco.
Karl is predeceased by father, Albert, his mother Maurine, and his wife Martha ("Marty") Topp.  Karl is survived by his two children, Melanie Topp (Thomas Ketron) of Mount Shasta, CA, and Roger Topp (Jessica M. Topp) of Lafayette, CA. "Papa" will be affectionately remembered, loved, and appreciated by his three adoring grandchildren: Isaac Topp, Ellery Ketron, and Althea Topp.

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Karlton Topp Obituary | Keeper Memorials