Billy Lou “Jackpot” Top, 63, Sibley, Iowa, died unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley.
A funeral service was Thursday, Sept. 28, at the First Presbyterian Church of Sibley. Burial followed in the Holman Township Cemetery of Sibley.
Billy Top was born on May 29, 1954, to Hyman and Mae (Ziegahn) Top in Rock Rapids, Iowa. He grew up in Ellsworth, Minnesota, and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1972.
On Aug. 17, 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy VanWyhe. The couple lived various places throughout their marriage including Rock Valley, Iowa, Hawarden, Iowa, and since 1978 in Sibley.
Bill was a long-distance truck driver and worked for several companies throughout his life. He started at Kooima Manufacturing, then Lebanon Feed Store, Mouw Trucking, MCT, Van Wyk Inc., and most recently Western Provisions of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for Larry DeGroot.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sibley and a lifetime member of OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association).
Bill was very proud to be a truck driver and was known for keeping his vehicles polished and clean. His motto was “If it don’t shine, it ain’t mine.”
He loved taking motorcycles trips but most of all enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at their sporting events, band performances, and their regular Saturday night dinners. Bill always had a great story for everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Top, Sibley; a daughter, Candi (Kris) Norgaard, Sibley; a son, Kelly (Kaitlyn) Top, Paullina, Iowa; six grandchildren, Brooke, Carter, Riley, Dylan, McKenly and Knox; a brother, Allan (Judy) Top, Hills; a sister, Geraldine (James) Sandstede, Luverne; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Carol VanWyhe; a sister-in-law, Connie VanWyhe; and a nephew, Danny Sandstede.
Arrangements were by Jurrens Funeral Home, www.jurrensfuneralhome.com
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