Mr. Richard John Topp

MIDDLETON-Richard J. Topp died at home, surrounded by his family, on August 20, 2011, of a brain tumor. A lifelong Middleton native, Rick was born on October 13, 1960. Known to a wide and diverse circle of friends as the Mayor of Lake Mendota, Rick could be found boating and fishing on the lake--rain or shine and in every season. He founded Rick's Ice Masters, an annual winter golfing-on-ice tournament. He hosted legendary parties and cookouts. Rick was quick with a joke and even quicker to lend a hand--or his truck--to friends in need. He collected hats and tee-shirts, trophies and Owen Gromme prints. Most of all, though, Rick collected friends. Rick played softball, threw horseshoes and sliced golf balls all over Dane County. Rick loved his life and never took a breath for granted. Rick is survived by his loving parents, John and Janet, brother Randy, sister Vicki (Shackett) and her husband Randy, and his grandmother Frances Topp, nephews Chris and Austin, aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial to celebrate Rick's life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 25, 2011 with Chaplain Annette Cleary presiding. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 until the time of the service at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank UW Hospital staff and Hospice. MIDDLETON-Richard J. Topp died at home, surrounded by his family, on August 20, 2011, of a brain tumor. A lifelong Middleton native, Rick was born on October 13, 1960. Known to a wide and diverse circle of friends as the Mayor of Lake Mendota, Rick could be found boating and fishing on the lake--rain or shine and in every season. He founded Rick's Ice Masters, an annual winter golfing-on-ice tournament. He hosted legendary parties and cookouts. Rick was quick with a joke and even quicker to lend a hand--or his truck--to friends in need. He collected hats and tee-shirts, trophies and Owen Gromme prints. Most of all, though, Rick collected friends. Rick played softball, threw horseshoes and sliced golf balls all over Dane County. Rick loved his life and never took a breath for granted. Rick is survived by his loving parents, John and Janet, brother Randy, sister Vicki (Shackett) and her husband Randy, and his grandmother Frances Topp, nephews Chris and Austin, aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial to celebrate Rick's life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 25, 2011 with Chaplain Annette Cleary presiding. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 until the time of the service at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank UW Hospital staff and Hospice. Donations can be made in Rick’s name to Hospice Care Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Donations can be made in Rick’s name to Hospice Care Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 until the time of the service at the funeral home A memorial to celebrate Rick's life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 25, 2011 with Chaplain Annette Cleary presiding.