Darrell "Tope" Topel

Darrell H Topel ~ Tope

Born April 11,1945 in Toledo, Ohio

Passed away June 27th,2026, at his home in Dearborn, Michigan with family by his side.

Son of the Late Henry & Lucille Topel of Toledo, Ohio

Husband of the Late Christine A Topel (Smarch). They married July 31st,1970.

Darrell was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. After graduating from University of Toledo with a 2 year Associate Degree, Darrell moved to Michigan to pursue his career at Detroit Edison Downtown Detroit in 1967. Then in 1974, Darrell pursued a position at the Fermi II in Monroe. Where later in 2006, he retired. After retiring, Darrell took a short break from work life to enjoy family. Then got a part time job at The Henry Ford in Dearborn as Security. Which was fun for him with all the history in the Village and Museum, along with the trains. In January 2021, Dad decided to finally retire completely and enjoy family and life.

Darrell had many hobbies, passions, and activities. At a young age his Grandfather got him into Baseball, which he enjoyed playing throughout life, then onto church and city leagues. Both his Grandfathers worked for New York Central Railroad, which then got him into trains. Which continued on through his whole life. Then in his teenage years, Darrell got into short track racing along with his brother and Father. Which, in turn, started his love for NASCAR and Indy Racing. He enjoyed going to many car shows and also having his own cars in the shows. Darrell also enjoyed golf, so he played for the church leagues. Darrell even played on some bowling leagues here and there once he moved to Michigan and married Christine. Darrell also belonged to the Ford Model Train Club in Dearborn

Darrell was an active member at Guardian Lutheran Church in Dearborn. He was active with the Elders, Men’s Club, and Works Community.

Darrell left behind 3 grandchildren, Cole Wesley(Haleigh), Katrina Wesley(Camden), and Taylor Wesley. 1 Great granddaughter, Novalaya Sanders. Also he had Grandfurs, Hank, Wesley, and Milo.

Darrell was a kind, friendly, funny, lovable guy. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. During his work meetings at Fermi he always knew who was to be bringing in the donuts for the morning meeting. Always had great advice for everyone. And was known for these sayings: “Keep your head up” , “I am on top of the world”, “Happy happy joy joy”, and “All is good”. He also loved to point out the strategic air command in the skies.

Darrell is survived by loving daughters, April Topel and Nicole(Billy) Martin.

Beloved brother, Duane(Linda) Topel. Also Neices, great neice and nephew, and great great nephews. And many relatives and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date for Darrell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Guardian Lutheran Church in Dearborn - Guardian Lutheran Church Memorial Contributions