Harold James Topliff

Harold James Topliff, 76, of rural Jewell, KS, passed away on April 16, 2023 at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas. 

Harold was born on September 16, 1946, the only child of John Elwyn and Ruby Maxine (Haggart) in rural Jewell County, Kansas. He was raised on the family farm in the Browns Creek Township. From a young age, Harold found great joy and interest in farm life. Taking his skills from the farm, Harold attended Jewell Rural High School and excelled in FFA.  Among his multiple awards, Harold was named the Top Future Farmer of America in crop production in 1963 and was named District Star Farmer of the North Central district FFA in 1964.  He graduated from Jewell Rural High School in May of 1964. 

After briefly attending college, Harold returned to rural Jewell to farm. Upon his return, he also took notice of local girl, Marilyn Ross.  After a brief courtship, they were married on September 17, 1967 in Jewell. Harold also served briefly with the Kansas National Guard in the late 1960s. 

Harold and Marilyn welcomed their first child, Angela Marie, in 1970. Brothers, Aaron James, 1972 and Adam John, 1976, later joined the family. Harold and Marilyn believed their family to be complete and settled in to raise their children on their family farm. However, tag along surprise Amy Katherine joined the family in 1983. Marilyn assured Harold that NOW their family was complete. 

In 1987, the family moved into town and stayed there for many years. 

In February, 2016, Harold met Patricia (Patsy) Hack and married later that year.  Together they enjoyed many adventures including an Alaskan cruise on their honeymoon, traveled to Wisconsin shortly after where they enjoyed the fall colors, ATVing, and meeting incredible lifelong friends.  They traveled to South Dakota enjoying all the tourist destinations and later that year cruised to the Bahamas.  

Harold enjoyed traveling, woodworking, playing cards, and watching K-State and KC Chief football. He was truly a “kid at heart.” His youthfulness showed in his love for spending time with kids through school activities, driving a school bus for Beloit schools, church activities, and 4-H. He was an avid lover of the outdoors. He loved boating, camping, and spending time around the campfire. 

Harold is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Patricia “Patsy” daughter Angela (Rodney) Cleary, Jewell, grandchildren Emily, Taylor, Laretta, Roland, Eva, Cody, and David, Krista Trent; son Aaron (Michelle) Topliff, Jewell, grandchildren Hannah Pavelka and Fayeth Dahl; son Adam (Jennifer) Topliff, Wamego, grandchildren Sertrice Grice, Carter and Maddox Topliff; and daughter Amy (Jim) Rice, Jewell, Jeremy, Kaytlyn, and Matthew; step daughters Cassidy (Bryan) Sharp, Bennington, Nebraska, grandchildren McKenzie, Brooklyn, Sterling and William; Sam (Brandon) Zimmer Great Bend, Kansas, and granddaughter Trinity; and Amanda (Nick) Grauf grandsons Landon, Micah, Blake and Hunter; 8 great, great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law Dennis (Pat) DeWald, Omaha, Nebraska; Gary (Pat) DeWald, Lincoln, Nebraska; Joe (Traci) DeWald, Simpsonville, South Carolina; Pete (Debra) DeWald, Raymond, Nebraska; Linda (Tom) Throckmorton, South Carolina; Mary (Terry) Mau, Alexandria, Nebraska; Karlene (Mardy) Rentschler, Omaha, Nebraska; Lore Elgert, Lincoln, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews,  great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn, parents, and in-laws, Franklin and Katherine Ross, and mother-in-law, Lieselotte DeWald.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 3pm-7pm at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, Kansas. Family will receive guests from 6pm-7pm. 

Funeral services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, Jewell, Kansas, on Friday, April 21st at 10am. 

Burial will follow at Wallace Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Rebecca Morrison House, Salina, Kansas, or Family’s choice in care of Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, KS.

For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com.

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