DAVID E. TRAUTMAN

DAVID E. TRAUTMAN

David Eugene Trautman, 77, of Cooperstown, ND passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023 at the Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND surrounded by his family.

David, son of Gene and Ruth (Norton) Trautman, was born on November 8, 1946 in Jamestown, ND. His family moved to Cooperstown when he was in grade school where he attended and graduated from Cooperstown Public Schools in 1965. After graduation, he attended NDSCS in Wahpeton where he enrolled in auto body repair. He enlisted in the Army on October 2, 1967 serving in the Vietnam War. After being discharged on May 8, 1969, David began his career in auto body repair working for Eddie Larson at Eddie’s Body Shop. He worked there until Eddie retired, then worked for a few years for Ronnie Grandalen at Ronnie’s Body Shop and the Finley Body Shop.

Due to the start of health issues, David left the auto body repair business. As a tribute to his work, people would say if you had David repair your car, you knew it was done right! After leaving body work, David joined the Sheyenne Tooling and Manufacturing team and among his many duties, he also did precision painting for them. He worked with the team for 23 years and then after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, he chose to retire.

Dave enjoyed anything with cars but especially loved his Camaros and Chevelles that he owned. He would spend hours washing and waxing his cars until you could see yourself in them!!! He became an avid Nascar fan, watching races and collecting numerous limited editions of models and other memorabilia.  Other hobbies included watching movies, doing yardwork, and craft wood painting until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s which prevented him from having a steady hand anymore.

He is survived by his wife Truley and their sons, Craig (Jane) of Carlsbad, CA and Bryan (Kiersti) of Golden Valley, MN. Sister Jan (Sheridan) Erickson of Mesa, AZ,

sister-in-law Cory Trautman of AZ. Four grandchildren - Caleb, Conor, Harper and Grayson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Ruth Trautman, parents-in-law, Obert and Margaret Tharaldson and brother, Larry Trautman.

Visitation will be Monday, December 4, 2023 from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Cooperstown, ND.  Interment will be in the Ottawa Cemetery, Aneta, ND at a later date.