Linda Lee Toepfer

In Loving Memory of Linda Lee Toepfer (Minnick)

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her (Proverbs 31:28)

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of August 12, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her Lambertville, Michigan home.

Linda, age 79, was born on October 30, 1943, to Clarence and Eunice Minnick of Toledo. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1961 and retired from Champion Spark Plug, where she met the love of her life Charles Toepfer of Toledo, Ohio. They were married on February 26, 1977.

She left an indelible mark on everyone who met her; even strangers quickly became friends as she welcomed them with open arms. She found immense joy in life’s simple pleasures - doing crafts such as making teddy bears, reading, attending grandkids’ events, loving on her farm animals, grand dogs, walleye fishing, their homes in Eagle Harbor, MI. and Fort Myers Beach, FL., and embracing loved ones - all of which she treasured with an open heart. She often talked lovingly about her dear friends in her small group and those in the Siesta Bay community. Linda enjoyed her favorite vacation destinations - Hawaii and Alaska. She was a gifted athlete, bowling for the Toledo Queens and playing high-level softball. She was an avid Ohio State football fan and treasured hunting agates on the shores of Lake Superior, camping, playing bingo, and late-night card games with family and friends.

Her family was her greatest pride and joy. Her legacy is woven into the tapestry of their lives, reminding them of her enduring love and passion to live a life worthy of the inheritance found in Christ Jesus. Linda had a profound, unwavering faith in Jesus and loved worshipping at her home church, Toledo Calvary. As we navigate this profound loss, let us remember how she lived – with kindness, generosity, and a love that knew no bounds. We'll never forget her mastery of names and numbers, the quick-witted one-liners that put us in tears, and her incredible hospitality and love of cooking that filtered its way into the hearts of her grandchildren.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Charles Toepfer, of 46 years, and their children/stepchildren: Terry (Jodi) Gibson, George (Kim) Gibson, Todd (Laurie) Gibson, Scott (Kim) Gibson, Kristin (Michael) Erd, Heidi (Corey) Melchert, Amy (James) Cooper. Beloved grandchildren: Genna (Ryan) Aurand, Kylie (Nick) Coles, Giles (Harper) Gibson, Taylor (Greg) Cobb, Elizabeth (George) Tracy, Kelsey (Ryan) Clemence, Jessica Gibson, Luke Gibson, Shannon Zaborowski, David (Shannon) Haas, Ben (Nicole) Gibson, Lauren (Shane) Cooper, Cody Gibson, Amanda (Dylan) Dilworth, Kyle Mikolajczyk, Tyler (Nicole) Coulter, Kayla (Thomas) Maher, Cassi Hileman, Drew Hileman, Charlie Hileman, Connor Melchert, Deter Hileman, Madden Melchert, Brynli Melchert, Jacquelyn Melchert, Josie Cooper, Aliza Cooper. Great Grandchildren: Regan Gibson, Riley Gibson, Parker Cobb, Boden Cobb, Ella Aurand, Cameron Aurand, Nicholas Coles, Anthony Coles, Riley Clemence, George Tracy, Addison Tracy, Wyatt Green, Callie Clemence, Easton Hoverson, Tripp Haas, Isabella Haas, Alexia Rogers, Jaxin Gibson, Brody Ferreira, Alaina Reel, Luke Dilworth, Emma Diaz, and Easton Coulter.

She is preceded in death by Clarence Minnick - Father, Eunice Minnick (Royer) -Mother; Marguerite (Carl) Yenrick - Sister; Herbert “Junior” Minnick - Brother, Jacqueline Bork - Sister; Walter Minnick-Brother; George Gibson-Late Husband, Tiffany Bettinger-Granddaughter, Nell Cooper-Granddaughter, and Sophie Cooper-Great Granddaughter.

Family and friend’s visitation is at Calvary Church, 1360 Conant St. Maumee, Ohio, on Friday, August 18, from 3-8 pm and on Saturday, August 19, from 10-11 am, followed by a celebration of life service at 11 am. After the service, the interment will take place at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. The family asks that donations be sent to Calvary Church or Toledo Christian School, 2303 Brookford Dr., Toledo, Ohio, in lieu of gifts or flowers.