Emma J. Toppert

Emma "E.J." Jean Toppert, 83, of Davis Junction, IL, formerly of Mineral, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at her daughter’s home.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024, at SonRise Bible Church, Atkinson, IL.  Pastor Dustin Largent will officiate.  Burial will follow at Greenville-Fairfield Cemetery, New Bedford, IL.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel.  Memorials may be directed to the Emma J. Toppert Memorial Fund.

E.J. was born on September 25, 1940, the daughter of William and Ada (Frank) Neahring, in Greenville Township, IL.  She was employed as a bus driver for the Annawan School District for over forty years.  E.J. was a member of SonRise Bible Church and enjoyed helping others any chance she had. Her hobbies included playing piano, bingo, cooking, baking, playing the lottery, and sewing.  She always had a smile on her face and a good joke to tell.  Her goal was to make people laugh.  E.J.'s favorite moments were spending time with the grandchildren, playing piano at church, and spending time with her church family – she had a very strong faith.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Jeff (Deb) Toppert of East Moline, Brad (Sue) Toppert of Flower Mound, TX, Julie (Kevin) Cannon of Chandler, AZ, Michelle (Mark) Milham of Oro Valley, AZ, Suzanne Jensen of Derby KS, Ashley (Kipp Mershon) Toppert of Davis Junction, IL; grandchildren, Abagael (Lance) Nunnery, Tiffany (Luke) Johnson, Jenna (Don) Robertson, Nichole (Anthony) Marranca, Ralph (Hayley) Milham, Antonia Martinez, Brayden and Vanessa Lauritzen, and Maya Mershon; and great grandchildren, Lily and Leyton Johnson, Ethan, Hudson, Marranca, Azaleigha, Alejandra, and Robert Martinez, Daria Robertson, Talen Milham, Landry Milham, and Kovee Milham.

E.J. was preceded in death by her parents, Willam and Ada Neahring; and brothers, Lyle and Bill Neahring.