Donald Rae Trampf

Donald Rae Trampf, age 77 of Berlin, passed away at home with family by his side on July 1, 2019. Born on March 4, 1942 Berlin, the son of Ralph and Clara (Seaman) Trampf, Don was a lifelong resident of Berlin. He attendant Saint Stanislaus Catholic School graduating in 1956 and Berlin High School, graduating in 1960. Don married Arla Mae Kohn on August 25, 1962. Together they raised 4 children. Don worked at Realist (David White) for 18 years, at Senior Engineering for 17 years and at Flash Trucking for 9 years. During this time he served the Berlin and Green Lake County area in a variety of roles. He was a member of the St. Stanislaus Church Council and the Oakwood Cemetery Board. He was a member of the both the Green Lake County and Waushara County Fire Officers Association, the Winnebago Area Fire Fighters Association, and the Green Lake County Sheriffs Association. He joined the Berlin Fire Department in 1965 and served as Fire Chief from 1973-1987. In 1987, Don retired from the Fire Department, but returned in 1991 as an advisor and safety officer. Don also served on Berlin’s Police and Fire Commission as well as the Police and Fire Explorer Post. During his fire fighting service, Don received an award for Outstanding Service and First President of Green Lake County Fire Officers Association. Notable accomplishments in his fire fighting career include helping to develop the Mutual Aid Agreement with neighboring communities in which community fire departments agree to provide aid at no cost when needed for large fires. This became a template for neighboring communities throughout the state. Also during his service, he along with Deputy Chief, Robert Trampf, worked with architects to design the safety building that houses the fire department and emergency government today. Don was elected to the Berlin High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018 for his accomplishments as a four sport athlete participating in baseball and basketball, and lettering in track and football. He earned a WIAA State Championship in shotput and held a record of 50’4” for nearly three decades. Don was an avid hunter, fisherman and card player who loved his community. Arla passed away on August 26, 2001. In time Don connected with former Berlin High School classmate Jane (Goodnature) Suleski. They were married on April 1, 2005. Together they enjoyed spending time with friends and family. They particularly enjoyed card games with friends and particularly playing Sheepshead at the Berlin Senior Center. Don and Jane shared many car rides together taking in the scenery and stopping to test their luck at the casino. Don is survived by his wife Jane; daughters, Tricia Drover, Connie (John) Kittleson, and Vicki (Don) Konen; his son, Mark (Stacey) Trampf; step-daughter Lori (Kurt Reinholz) Suleski; grandchildren, Joseph and Jessica Drover, Kayla and Alex Konen, Ben and Tyler Kittleson; step-grandaughters, Abby and Cassie Eckelberg; and great-grandsons Dustin and Liam He was preceded in death by his wife Arla, his parents, Ralph and Clara Trampf; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Franklin and Norma Kohn; his brother Eugene Trampf, and his sisters Kathleen Parsons, Virginia Eagan and Marilyn Siebenhaar. The family would like to thank all of the hospice nurses who provided such excellent care, particularly Heidi and Sarah. Don’s children especially want to thank Jane who so lovingly cared for Don. In lieu of flowers, Don had requested that memorial gifts be made to the Berlin Fire Department or the Berlin Senior Center.

Donald Rae Trampf

March 4, 1942 - July 1, 2019