Gordon Julian Tolppi

Gordon Julian Tolppi age 74, of New York Mills, MN died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Elders Home in New York Mills. Gordon was born to John and Jennie (Lofman) Tolppi on November 25, 1935 on a farm in Butler Township, Ottertail County, MN, where he lived and worked with his parents and ten siblings. He continued to live on the farm his entire lifetime. Gordy attended a rural school for his first eight grades then went to Sebeka High School graduating in 1953. He was always a good student and learned to take fair advantage of opportunities. In high school that meant learning to play the cornet in the band. He continued to play for his own pastime well into adulthood. Upon completion of high school he worked on the family farm developing skills until he joined the Army on September 18, 1958 as he served in Germany he continued to take advantage of opportunities to travel to Spain, Italy and France. He not only visited other countries but through self study was able to communicate in the language of the countries. Gordon was honorable discharged on March 11, 1961 and returned to the farm. He became an avid dairy farmer, as an additional interest he began to raise and sell strawberries thus the beginning of his passion as a gardener. Gordon was united in marriage to Joan Mersinger on June 5, 1965 at Faith Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN. Joan joined Gordy as he became interested in all kinds of flowers and vegetables. He experimented with new varieties but also studied the “habits” of all of his plants. Marketing the plants and produce introduced him to another facet of the career. In 1970, Gordy and Joan started Gordy’s Greenhouse which they continued to operate. They both found great joy and took pride in watching the seedlings grow and keeping the garden clean. He spent one of his last days cultivating potatoes. Thus he served the area with fresh vegetables for over forty years. Gordy had many interests related to his gardening his affinity for small Farmall tractors became a collection; he owned seven of them. He enjoyed visiting with many people especially with his family, customers and business acquaintances. He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Sebeka attending regularly and served on the board. He lived his beliefs, sharing plants and produce and annually decorating many family graves with beautiful flowers. Gordy enjoy watching sports with Joan and especially the Vikings. They became totally immersed in the game following scores, trades and injuries of players. Gordy always looked forward to deer hunting season. He planned for those days with his brothers, neighbors and friends who would join him. The experiences of the hunt were fodder for conversation for days before and after. Gordy lived seventy-four productive years, he was a good son, brother, husband, neighbor and friend. He will be sorely missed. Gordy is survived by Joan Tolppi his wife of forty-five years; sister, Beatrice Moosally and her husband Joe of Mankato, MN; brother, Tom Tolppi and his wife Linda of Marshfield, WI; brother-in-law, John Mersinger and his wife Carole of Foley, MN; sister-in-law, Delores Tolppi of Wauwautosa, WI; eight nieces, Michelle Moosally, Carol Tiffany, Betty Stoneman, Alice Kowalski, Rose Dey, Geneva Uttermark, Hannah Mersinger and Brenda Kotnik, seven nephews, Han Mersinger, Ole Mersinger, John Hietala, Robert Hietala, John Tolppi, Tim Tolppi and Tom Tolppi; and special friend, Nara Kiser of Sebeka. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant twin sons, Roger and Ronald, sister, Evelyn, seven brothers, Edwin, Robert, Vernon, Wilbert, Howard, Calvin and Herbert and one nephew David. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Monday, August 2, 2010 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN with Pastor Steven A. Bruer officiating. Hilda Mary Schoon will serve as organist. Mark Fulfs will solo “The Lord’s Prayer.” Congregational hymns include “How Great Thou Art,” “In the Garden” and “Amazing Grace.” Honorary Pallbearers are all of his friends. Active Casketbearers are Craig Murray, Hans Mersinger, Ole Mersinger, Tim Tolppi, Tom Tolppi, John Tolppi, Dean Hietala, Jared Huwe, Matt Murray and David Huwe. Berg Nylund American Legion Post #456 of Sebeka, MN will provide military honors. Interment will be at Haycreek Cemetery, Blowers Township, Ottertail County, MN.