William Richard Toprock

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/pM9qKoiC26w 

William R. Toprock, 80 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Bill was born on July 8, 1944, the son of William and Anna (Anderson) Toprock in Duluth, Minnesota. He was raised and educated in Duluth. As a young man he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Bill married Claudia Peterson on October 5, 1963. Due to Bill’s Air Force service, they lived in numerous places before settling in Grand Forks in 1979. He served as a Strategic Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, Tac Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Missile Systems Maintenance Technician. After twenty-four years of service, he retired as a Master Sargent. During his military service Bill also received a bachelor’s degree in human resources.’

Bill work at UND as a controller for another fifteen years after his service in the United States Air Force. He was an active member of the Patriot Guard in North Dakota. Bill enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, metal detecting and caring for his beloved cats.

Bill is survived by his children, Wayne (Carol) Toprock and Tricia (Tim) Young; grandchildren, Samantha, Tyr, Tia and Daryl; sisters, Claudia Nickila and Sherri (Stephen) Knipe; numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Claudia (2021) and sister, Donna.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in William’s name to Circle of Friends Animal Shelter (4375 N. Washington St. Grand Forks, ND 58203)

Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life service at 5:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at a later date at Parkhill Cemetery, Duluth, MN.