Obituary

Eugene Fredrick Traut 90, of West Bend, WI, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Gene (or "Butch") was the youngest of nine (9) children born to James and Sarah "Anna" Traut on May 11, 1934 in Milwaukee, WI. His childhood was filled with challenges as his father, James, died on April 22, 1934, less than one month before he was born. His mother and older siblings persevered, leaning on their strong faith in God and one another. Beginning at a young age, Gene held a paper route contributing what he could to help the family financially. Gene attended North Division High School where he met the love of his life, Barbara "Barb" Stutzman during their sophomore year. In high school, Gene was a multi-sport athlete, but was especially proud of his accomplishments on the football field and the men's gymnastics team.

Gene lived a life of service. He followed in the footsteps of his older brothers, who served in World War 2, and answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army in June of 1952. He was stationed in Korea where he worked as a mechanic and radio operator for two (2) years, often serving at the front lines of the war. Upon his return from Korea, he continued his service as a member of the U. S. Army Reserves for an additional six (6) years and retired from military duty in 1960 with the rank of Corporal.

Gene and Barb married on July 24, 1954 in Milwaukee, WI in 1954 and were blessed with four children: Alan, Carolyn, Don, and Kathy. The extended Traut family often gathered together, especially every August to celebrate Anna's birthday…surrounding her were her seven (7) surviving children and their families, including her 24 grandchildren! Gene continued his life of service by joining the Milwaukee Fire Department in 1960, retiring in 1990 with the rank of Lieutenant. Gene, like many fire fighters, always had side projects that he worked on, pouring concrete, roofing, siding, building garages; he was always working, finding ways to serve and support his family. Even in retirement, Gene found ways to serve, volunteering at the food pantry, helping neighbors in need, and driving a school bus.

Throughout his life, Gene was an active and devoted member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving in multiple church ministries and singing in choirs for most of his life. He and Barb were founding members of Memorial Lutheran Church and Gene put his many talents to use, helping to build the church that now stands in Glendale, WI. Gene and Barb loved to have fun too…dancing, especially to a good polka, sharing laughs during card night with friends, and fellowship during Sunday night church bowling league. Gene also enjoyed men's dart ball league, men's softball, and bowling leagues with his fellow firefighters.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Jane (nee Stutzman) Traut, his parents, James Mathias and Sarah Anna (nee Braasch) Traut, his siblings: Evelyn Eleanore Siebrecht (Richard), Ralph James Traut (Violet), Grace Julia Polzin-Schmeichel (Wally), James George Traut (Lillian), Helen Marie Traut, Jack Richard Traut (Edie), Edward John Traut (June), Marilyn Anna Traut, and his daughter Kathleen Michelle Traut-Graham.

He is survived by children Alan Robert Traut (Teresa), Carolyn Sue Byrd (Mike), Donald James Traut (Mary), and his grandchildren: Austin R. Traut, Matthias W. Byrd, Emma S. Kovanda (Sean), Sara L. Byrd, Ryan M. Traut (Elizabeth Bartoszewski), and Megan L. Traut (Kyle Larson).

A celebration of Gene's life will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church 4860 Arthur Rd, Slinger, WI 53086 on Monday, August 19, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM followed by the funeral service at 11:30AM. A light lunch will be served at the church following the service. The family will hold a private burial at Pinelawn Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI following lunch.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

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