Morris Toppel, 87, of Margate, FL, passed away in his sleep on Jan. 8, 2003. He was born August 30, 1915 in Chicago, IL, the son of Leo and Dora Toppel. He served his country in WWII building and repairing battleships in Portsmouth, VA. He was a skilled draftsman and sheet metal layout man for Stanley Knight and Company for more than three decades. Later he was self-employed and an inventor holding several patents and always working on a new idea. He was a musician, a great athlete, hitting tennis balls to the end. He was a good man, a good husband, and a good father. He is survived by his cherished wife of 62 years, Lilian Signer Toppel; his children Edward Toppel (Rabbi Judith Ha Levy) of Malibu, CA, Lewis R. Toppel (Margaret) of Madison, WI and Gail (Dr. Mark) Sherman of Northridge, CA; sister Bertha Plusker of Niles, IL; sister-in-law Betty Toppel and brother-in-law Ted Sherwin both of Chicago; brother-in-law Al Kaplan of West Hills, CA; he was the beloved grandfather to Jessica (Bill) Cleary, Neil (Cari) Toppel and Leah Toppel, all of Chicago, IL, Dana Toppel of San Diego, CA, Benjamin Toppel of Boulder, CO, Elizabeth and Michael Sherman of Northridge, CA; and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Gertrude (Harry) Schaffer Kaplan, Ethel (Sam) Kaplan, Mildred Sherwin and brother Irving Toppel. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003 at Malibu Jewish Community Center and Synagogue at 24855 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265. His family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Malibu JCC and Synagogue at the above address. Family 310-457-9323 or 818-363-2858. The greatest wisdom is kindness. Mighty Moe.
