Walter J. Toepfer Jr.
ONTONAGON — Walter J. Toepfer Jr., age 81, of Ontonagon, MI, and formerly of Toledo, passed away December 12, 2023, at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born December 10, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Walter Sr. and Carol (Knecht) Toepfer. Walter was a graduate of Toledo DeVilbiss High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from Michigan Tech University.
His interest in mining began at the early age of 7 when he read a book on finding opals in Australia. He vowed at that point to become a miner one day. Single-minded and focused, Walter went on to a lengthy career as a mine manager, mining copper and zinc for New Jersey Zinc, White Pine/ Copper Range Mining and Pasminco.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed shooting, hunting, and fishing. He was president of Lake Superior Sportsmen’s Club where he recently led the effort to construct a new indoor shooting range in Silver City, MI. Walter was an advocate for hunter safety and enjoyed, to no surprise, rock collecting. He will be remembered for his reserved but friendly persona and for his dry wit.
Walter is survived by his son, Glen (Joanna aka “Fav”) Toepfer; siblings, Charles Toepfer and Margaret Toepfer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded by his wife, Evelyn in 1999.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of a service of remembrance at 1:30 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., Toledo. The ceremony can be viewed starting at 1:20 p.m. via livestream on the tribute wall of Walter’s page at walkerfuneralhomes.com. Interment will take place at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park following the funeral services.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 3 at 1 p.m. at the Lake Superior Sportsman’s Club”s indoor range and conference room (31433 W. State HWY M-64 in Ontonagon) with light refreshments to follow.
Contributions in Walter’s name are suggested to the Lake Superior Sportsmen’s Club, P.O. Box 201, Ontonagon, MI 49953.