Milton W. Topness

Milton W. Topness, 69 of Winona, MN passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026 in La Crosse, WI after a brief hospitalization.

Milton Ward was born on October 18, 1956 in Winona to Ingvald and Marian (Lewis) Topness. Milton grew up in Winona with his brother Loren and was a graduate of Winona Area Public Schools.

Milton was very proud to say he was a member of Home and Community Options (HCO) and everything it stood for. He was a fierce advocate for himself and loved helping his friends, who lived with different abilities, learn how to find their independence and their own voice in self-advocacy. He was also very involved with the ARC Minnesota and their work to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and physical disabilities. He was very proud to have helped pass legislation at the state level with the ARC. Milton was beyond thankful for all of the staff that helped him each and every day.

He was a longtime employee of ORC and after his retirement from ORC, he found great joy in his time spent with friends and staff at the Adult Day Center. Milton was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins and he lit up the room each time he walked into one. Milton loved cooking and liked playing games, which he became quite competitive. He enjoyed a variety of craft projects, events with COMPASS, and was a longtime member of Central Lutheran Church, Winona. His church family was very important to him. Milton knew everybody, and everybody that knew Milton loved him.

Milton is survived by his brother Loren (Peggy Schaefer) Topness and a nephew Perry (Sami Marino) Topness. He is further survived by lifelong friends gained through HCO and ORC.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Central Lutheran Church, Winona with Rev. Michael Short officiating. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory, Winona, MN. Words of remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com