Edward "Ken" Toepfert

Edward "Ken" Toepfert died peacefully July 15, 2026, surrounded by family. Born Jan. 16, 1933, in Cincinnati to Walter and Agnes Toepfert, one of his earliest memories was being rescued through an attic window as Ohio River floodwaters rose during the historic 1937 flood at his family's home near Crosley Field. They lost everything in the flood, and spent a few years living in Laurel Homes, one of the first federal housing projects in the country. They eventually moved to South Fairmount, where Ken made many lifelong friendships.

Ken attended Walnut Hills High School, where he often joked that he was not the best student but was a "pretty good jock." He credited a librarian there for inspiring his lifelong love of reading by holding special books for him each week. He was voted most athletic in his senior class. Although the football team lost every game his senior year, he was a district champion pole vaulter and won the city all around gymnastics title. He maintained friendships with high school friends his entire life. After two summers of digging ditches for the gas company, he decided to change directions. He enlisted in the Navy, where he took electronics courses and surprised himself by excelling. He worked on Corsair aircraft that were vital during the Korean War. While stationed in Atlantic City, he played football on the team at the base and they went undefeated. He was always amazed that he could lose every game in one season and win every one the next. Ken hardly had a spare minute during his service, balancing classes, military duties, football, and extra restaurant work on the Atlantic City pier. The Navy gave him the confidence to work hard, study, and succeed. For the rest of his life, he shared stories about how the Navy opened doors he never could have imagined. He was always a proud Navy man.

After his service, he began his 33-year career at Cincinnati Bell. To earn extra money, he became one of Buddy LaRosa's first employees, cleaning the restaurant in the mornings after working the night shift at Cincinnati Bell. Buddy, a friend and neighbor, coached his semiprofessional football team in Fairmount. He met the love of his life, Shirley, and soon they began their life together. As a young man, he enjoyed going out with friends and had fond memories of dancing to all of the big bands at Moonlight Gardens at Coney Island. He had a great partner in Shirley both in dance and in life. He was happy to organize dances for his organizations to earn money for community projects. He enjoyed playing drums in a small jazz combo for several years earning a little extra cash on the weekends. He earned a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati through the GI Bill while working the night shift and raising five children.

Ken and Shirley bought her family’s small farm in White Oak, fulfilling his dream of living in the country. He taught his five children the value of hard work through chores around the farm. If they didn’t understand how to do something, he told them to think about it and figure it out, which they usually did. He often said, "If you're going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all." For his children, however, not doing it was never an option. He was a hard worker and believed you could accomplish anything in life if you worked hard enough. He also had a fun side, and over the years he hosted countless picnics, swim parties, and campouts for his many organizations, friends, and family at the farm.

Later, he earned his MBA from Xavier University and supported Shirley when she decided to return to school. He always encouraged his children and grandchildren to study hard and get their education. Ken never missed a graduation ceremony and always encouraged his grandchildren to "go back to school."

Throughout his life, Ken made many lasting connections with his community. If he was in an organization, it was only a matter of time before he was president. He served as a Boy Scout den leader, packmaster and district trainer, earning a Distinguished Service Award. He dedicated more than 25 years to the White Oak-Monfort Heights Kiwanis Club, holding every office, helping lead numerous fundraisers and earning the Kiwanian of the Year Award. He joined the Southern Gateway Chorus in 1969 and spent more than 35 years singing and traveling with the group. He was passionate about Barbershop music and the chorus, holding every office and serving as president, board member, show chairman, and producer of many annual shows and recordings. As president, he helped guide the chorus to second- and first-place international finishes. He worked tirelessly, chairing committees for district and international conventions held in Cincinnati and was a founding member of the Harmony Lodge where they rehearsed, recorded, and hosted their famous afterglow parties.

Family was always most important to Ken. He was a beloved father, uncle, and “Peepaw” to his 11 grandchildren, always encouraging them and taking pride in their accomplishments. In retirement, he enjoyed reading, golfing, creating stained-glass artwork, gardening and attending his grandchildren's events. He was the life of every party and could be counted on to sing his unique versions of Happy Birthday or make up a song about any event. He could do a mean jitterbug and never passed up an opportunity to dance with Shirley, or any of his granddaughters, as long as they didn’t try to lead. Later in life, Ken was deeply honored to participate in an Honor Flight with five of his best friends from High School. He was especially proud of his grandson serving in the U.S. Air Force and of the many nurses in his family. Ken was also a great storyteller. No holiday gathering or family celebration seemed complete without one of his stories, which often followed the same pattern: he proposed an audacious idea, someone insisted it couldn't be done, and he proved otherwise. No goal was too big for him to achieve.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Shirley (Murphy) Toepfert; daughter Holly Happensack; and his siblings, Don, Jean, Lloyd, and Lillian “Sis” Toepfert. He is survived by his children, Gary Toepfert, Terri (Ken) Hemmelgarn, Diane (Tom) Anneken, and David (Lisa) Toepfert; son-in-law Tom Happensack; grandchildren, Andrea (Brandon) Downing, Stephanie (Josh) Wucki, T.J. Happensack, Brittany Hemmelgarn, Nathan (Ashley) Anneken, Kerri (Atreya) Sinha, Alyssa Anneken, James Happensack, Erin Toepfert, Cooper (Hannah) Happensack, and Jessica Toepfert; great-grandchildren, Louisa, Lincoln and Larkin Downing; and Matthew and Hannah Wucki, plus numerous extended family and friends.

Ken lived well, laughed often, and loved deeply. His encouragement, love, and humor will be dearly missed by his family and those who knew him. A celebration of his life will be planned in the fall. Ken’s family extends its gratitude to his caregivers for their kindness, support, and compassionate care during his final years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight Tri-State in Ken's memory.