Leo C. Trautman, Sr.

Leo C. Trautman, Sr.

November 26, 1933 – May 8, 2022

Leo is survived by his wife, Janet and his six children and their spouses: Leo Jr., Lisa Jergovic, Michele McLaughlin, Tina Martin, Michael, and Todd.

VISITATION: Sunday, May 15th from 4pm to 6pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 6pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Monday, May 16th at 10:30am, St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Papillion.  Entombment, Resurrection Mausoleum.

For additional information or to view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com. Click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

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Leo was born in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri to Raymond and Regina (Bauman) Trautman. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister Alberta; brother Dennis (Brenda); son-in-law Bob Jergovic; daughter-in-law Debbie (Mohr); brothers- and sisters-in-law: John Echols, Chuck and Marie Ernst, Glen and Dorothy Siebert, Joe and Adelaide Lottes, Francis “Junie” Siebert, and Harold and Jeanine Huber.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Janet (Siebert); his six children: Leo Jr. “Lee”; Lisa Jergovic; Michele “Shely” McLaughlin (Scot); Tina Martin (Rich); Michael (Cheri); and Todd (Angie); also, his siblings: Rita Huck (Bob); Dianne “Snook” Echols; Raymond (Eileen); sister-in-law Betty Jo Siebert; plus 30 grandchildren, 36 (and counting) great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces nephews.

Leo demonstrated a tremendous work ethic from early on, serving mass and selling newspapers, which led to a career in the dairy industry, accepting a job sweeping floors at the Creole Dairy while in grade school and eventually leading him to International Paper Co., from which he retired in 1998.

Despite a full work schedule, he also made time for fun activities, especially dancing. During his senior year of high school, his dancing caught the attention of long-time classmate, Janet Siebert, which led to a courtship and marriage on May 9, 1953. They were blessed with six children, five of whom were born in Ste. Gen prior to their moving to Papillion, NE in 1968. His travel schedule at IP often had him on the road several nights a week, but he dutifully checked in over the phone every night (pre-cell phones).

In his limited spare time, Leo was an amateur farmer. He was known around town for his small weekend business tilling gardens, well over 100 per year. He also took pride in planting gardens at numerous plots around town, one year boasting over 300 tomato plants. He enjoyed selling his produce off the back of his pickup truck and even for a few years through a local grocery store. In the “off” season, he would split and deliver firewood alongside his sons, oftentimes more than 10 truckloads per week.

Leo was a devoted Catholic leader in his family and parish community as a long-time parishioner of St. Columbkille. He modeled his faithful devotion to our Lord through sharing his time, talent, and treasure. However, his generosity wasn’t limited to his smaller circle. He readily shared the “first fruits” of his gardens with friends and family (and even strangers on occasion) that would come knocking on his door to see if he’d been to the garden recently.

He loved numbers and doing mental math. Leo’s career in sales had him negotiating with the best of them, and he was always on the lookout for a good deal. He passed along his quick wit and dry sense of humor to his kids and grandkids. He exhibited a spirit of self-denial and sacrifice, teaching the value of going without today to provide opportunities for his wife and kids. Most importantly, he was devoted to his wife, his “Honey”. The love they displayed is a model of marriage and an inspiration to generations of friends and family alike. Together they were ardent prayer warriors that gratefully interceded on behalf of any in need.

In 2018, Leo was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, congestive heart failure, and the increasing effects of dementia. But, throughout the past four years, he maintained a cheery disposition and smiling face, along with his quick wit, that all who knew him enjoyed until the end. Even the healthcare professionals who only knew him in his last days commented about his sense of humor! Leo passed peacefully the morning of May 8, having been surrounded by his Honey and his six kids the night before. He will be sorely missed here, but we all know he is in a much better place, and we look forward to reuniting with him on the other side of the veil.

In lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorials to support Catholic education through St. Columbkille and the Knights of Columbus.