 Howard Charles, "Chuck" Toepfer II, passed away after a valiant battle with Renal Cell cancer on October 26, 2009 in Boca Raton, Florida. Chuck was born on November 30, 1937, and was the eldest child of Dr. Howard C. Toepfer and Jean Mersch Toepfer.
His sister, Emily, predeceased him.
He is survived by his wife, Yvette; devoted sons, Jeffrey and Devon; and grandchildren, Cassidy, Riese and Harper. Chuck was a native of Grantsville, West Virginia.
He was a graduate of the Linsly Military Academy in Wheeling, WV, where he was a star Wrestler and ace Marksman. He served in the Coast Guard Reserves as Seaman First Class in 1961.
He was on the fast track to follow his father into medicine, but the love of fast cars from riding in his Father's XJ6 Jaguars and Lamborghini took hold. Rebuilding and modifying cars to race became premier.
He also loved hunting, the mountains, and country music made him cry. While attending the Indiana School of Technology and studying Mechanical Engineering, his parents built a home in Florida. This is where he met and married his wife.
Two beautiful sons soon followed, and the opening of a successful business while settling in South Florida in 1966. An excellent businessman with a top-notch facility, he soon gained recognition from far and wide to avail of his services.
Keeping himself in great physical shape was also a priority. His run was eventually cut short by an unfortunate accident, which rendered him paraplegic.
Through his indomitable spirit, hard work and determination, he became a well known marathoner though confined to a wheelchair. He was one of the fastest on the circuit and would routinely win races with many medals and plaques against runners as well as the physically challenged.
He stayed with it for awhile and then decided to slow down to enjoy fishing and traveling. He maintained an out-of-state residence in West Virginia atop the highest point, Spruce Knob which is now a National Forest.
He loved spending every summer there enjoying the solitude and natural beauty of the mountains as did his parents.
Health problems started around the millennium and he fought like a warrior. All too soon the fight was over.
He will be sorely missed by all who ever knew and loved him. In keeping with his instructions, his ashes will be scattered in the spring, on top of Spruce Knob to include the base of an evergreen sapling that will grow forever from his strength.
He then will be in, as the song title says, "Almost Heaven West Virginia". Though our hearts are heavy, and our eyes are moist, from this sadness, there will be peace. We cherish your memory.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and The Miami Project, both for spinal cord injury.
See DR. HOWARD C. TOEPFER DELIVERED 5,000 CALHOUN BABIES - "He Took Hams, Chickens And Produce" | 
