Walter Raymond Toporek Jr., 68, of Florence, Montana, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Community Hospital of Missoula.

Born on August 13, 1957, to Margaret and Walter Toporek Sr., Walter was a proud graduate of Carmel Catholic High School. He dedicated much of his life to serving others, first as a firefighter and EMT with the Vernon Fire Department for 10 years, and later as a building inspector for the Village of Vernon Hills, where he worked for another decade.

Walter was a hardworking and deeply independent man who took pride in creating a life with his own hands. He built a log cabin with the help of his siblings in Salem, WI near his family's property, where he lived for nearly 25 years. In later years, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving west to the mountains of Montana, a place that brought him peace and joy.

He found happiness in life's simple pleasures: hunting, fishing, gardening, home projects, organizing and re-organizing his tools, hiking, and camping. He was most at peace watching the sunrise over the mountains with a cup of coffee and his beloved dog, Butte, by his side.

Walter is survived by his children and grandchildren: daughter Amy Nusser and her son, Oliver; sons James and David Toporek; and son Sean Toporek, his wife, Tessa, and their sons, Russell and Arthur.

He is also survived by his father, Walter Toporek Sr.; his siblings Ann Weber, Steven (Jane) Toporek, Phillip Toporek, Robert (Polly) Toporek, and Tim Toporek; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

No formal services will be held. Family and friends are invited to honor Walter's memory in their own personal way. In accordance with his wishes, his children will scatter his ashes during a private ceremony in the Boundary Waters, a place that held deep meaning for him and his family.