Timothy Edward Topolinski, age 86, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, after a short battle with cancer, with his wife Ilene at his bedside. He was a devout Catholic.
Tim was the middle child of three children and grew up in Detroit, MI. He had a long-time sales career in the pen and office supply industry and, before he retired, he established his own store named “Top Office Products” in Lapeer MI. He married Ilene Rutkowski of Ubly, MI. They had five children and raised them in Metamora, MI. In 1985, their oldest son, Donald, lost his own life in a car accident.
Tim’s hobbies included collecting pens, “trapping and/or eliminating” moles and woodchucks in the yard, woodworking (which included applying heavy lacquer to his creations), playing pinochle with the same group of friends for 40+ years, snowmobiling, camping, fishing, playing baseball with his kids, and traveling with friends. Tim lovingly cared for his wife for many years after she suffered a stroke.
Tim was well-known as the teller of lengthy jokes and could always recall a “Burma Shave” limerick for any occasion. He loved the chicken dinners in Frankenmuth, MI, and continued to travel there many years even after he and Ilene moved to the west side of the state of Michigan to be near their children.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents – Anthony and Leocadia Topolinski, his son Donald, his sister Mary Ann Topolinski, his brother John Topolinski, his grandson Joseph Kargl, and several relatives and friends. He is survived by his wife Ilene, his children Pamela (Pat Ball), Dennis (Dora) Topolinski, Nancy Dercher, Timothy (Christen) Topolinski, his grandchildren Alyssa Kargl, Christianne Kargl, Jeremy Kargl, Patrick Kargl, Amelia Topolinski, Megan Topolinski, Adam Topolinski, Alex Topolinski, Tiffany (Tyler) Larison, Madeline Dercher, Matthew Dercher, Kevin Topolinski, Danielle Topolinski, and great grandchildren Tate and Talia Larison.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. John Catholic Church, 404 N. Dayton Street Davison, MI, 48423. Family will welcome guests at 10:30 AM at the church. Fr. Andrew Czajkowski presiding. Interment Mount Loretto Cemetery in Lapeer Michigan at approximately 1:15 PM. Luncheon planned in Lapeer, Michigan after burial. Details to be announced.