Ricky Lee Toppel age 65 passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 8, 2021. Ricky was born on October 10, 1955 in Elgin, Illinois. For the last several years he worked at Ballyhoos as a cook. The owners treated him like family. Ricky was a constant and calming presence to his family. When his brother Mark fell ill he moved back down to Chicago to care for him, proving his constant willingness to give what he could to help his family. He was a wonderful stepfather to Pam Immel’s two children Liz and Andy. He loved them like they were his own. He was always full of kindness and love for them. Ricky could always be found with a smile and his keen sense of humor. He enjoyed watching all the latest movies and cheering for his beloved Chicago Bears and Cubs. He was often quiet in a room full of family, but with a slight smile and listening ear, he gave overwhelming support and encouragement to those who loved him. He was a special uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Honeyman, three sisters, Dorothy Kleinschmidt (Merrill), Roxanne Hetfeld (Merrill) and Alyce Honeyman (St. Charles, IL), many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Toppel, and step mother, Jean. He was also preceded in death by his brother Mark Honeyman, stepson Andy Immel and niece Angela Kleinschmidt and brother-in-law Ross Hetfeld.
Services for Ricky will be held on Saturday, January 16 at 1:00 at Hillside Fellowship, 1501 Pier St. Merrill. A celebration of life will be held after the service at Ballyhoos Eatery, 124 N. Prospect St., Merrill.
The family would also like to thank the amazing team that worked hard to keep Ricky with us as long as possible, they are as follows: Kurt Petra, Ross Witucki, Dillon Schilke, Nick Phelps, and Breanna Mueller. A big thank you to Merrill Hospital and Aspirus Wausau Hospital as well for their excellence in work and dedication to their community. Rest in peace, gentle soul, you will live on in our hearts.