Mark V. Trautman

MARK VIRGIL TRAUTMAN was born on June 22, 1954 in Brookings, South Dakota to Virgil and Eleanor (Palmer) Trautman. Mark grew up on the family farm near Lake Benton, Minnesota. He attended school in Lake Benton, graduating from there in 1972. Following his high school graduation, Mark attended the University of Minnesota - Morris. He received his certificate in Accounting and then returned to Lake Benton to farm. Mark farmed with his two cousins, Joel & Byrl Koster until 1985, when he then began his own farming practice. On July 23, 1988, Mark married Ellie Martin at the First Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. The couple continued to farm and live in rural Lake Benton. In 1990, Mark’s life changed when he was blessed with the birth of the couple’s son, Brock Martin. Mark dedicated his life to being a father, teaching him about the Lord and spending as much time as possible taking him hunting, fishing, golfing, camping, and playing baseball, and spending time with him at the family cabin in northern Minnesota. During those years, the Trautman farm was honored with being named a "Century Farm". Mark and Brock grew and sold the famous "Trautman Sweet Corn" in Lake Benton on the corner of Highway 75 and 14.

Mark was a man that took great pride in his church and community. He was the Church Treasurer several years, taught Sunday school, was active in the choir, and was a member of the church council. He served on the Verdi Township board for several years as the Treasurer, and served as one of the Directors of the Community Wind North organization. Mark was a family man at heart, and had a great love of spending time with his sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. He had a special love for his golden retriever, Maddy.

Mark passed away suddenly at the Avera Tyler Hospital on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the age of 64 years, 11 months, and 9 days. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Ellie; his son, Brock (Mary Bjorum) Trautman: his siblings, Pam (Richard) Hansen of Horace, North Dakota; Wanda (Gary) Hansen of Greybull, Wyoming; Gloria (Chuck) Gackstetter of Tyler, Minnesota; Dean (Karla) Trautman of Clear Lake, South Dakota; Colin Trautman of Shell, Wyoming; and Thea (Randy) Keifer of Tyler, Minnesota; his many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many other loving friends and family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law; and his niece, Paula Trautman. He will be missed by many. Blessed be his memory.

Mark lived by his chosen Confirmation verse: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9