Velma Trautmann

Velma Trautmann, age 78 of Bismarck, formerly of Robinson died November 14, after a courageous battle with cancer. Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, November 22, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Robinson, with Rev. Valerie Kinlan officiating. Burial will be in Bethany Cemetery, Robinson. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, November 21, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Velma Evon was born June 3, 1935, to Peter C. and Mildred Mikkelson-Haugen Hanson on the family farm. She was a confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in 1949. Velma attended country school until 8th grade and finished her education at Robinson High School graduating in 1953. She attended Valley City Teacher's College and taught at the Clear Lake School House for two years. On August 28, 1955, she married Art Trautmann at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Robinson. They made their home on the family farm and lived there for 53 years until they moved to Bismarck in 2008. Velma enjoyed reading, quilting, walking and drinking coffee. She loved having her family together for holidays. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and attending sporting events to cheer on her children, grandchildren and great granddaughter, Maisie. Velma spent many years listening to yodeling either from Art or Lanna. She enjoyed attending the Country Western Jamborees in Dickinson with Lanna. A memorable trip for Velma was to Norway in 1981 with the Valley City Troubadors as Lanna accompanied the group and yodeled during intermission. As an added bonus, Velma saw the home country where her ancestors originated. Velma was an active participant in a number of Robinson activities, including teaching Sunday School, Ladies Aid, Truck Pulls, and Jubilee Celebrations. She was a behind-the-scenes partner, helping Art with his business for 44 years except during 1984-1994, when Velma could be seen behind the counter at Trautmann Sales. She was especially delighted and proud of organizing and planning the Hanson Reunion in 1997. Velma is survived by her husband Art of 58 years of marriage; three children and their spouses, Wes Cindy Trautmann, Robinson, LaDonna Bob Bowerman, Dawson, and Lanna Shawn Slaby, Jamestown; seven grandchildren, Casey John Patzner, Bismarck, Brett Bowerman, Bismarck, Brietta Kenn Iverson, Jamestown, Chase Trautmann, Robinson, Courtney Bo Riskedahl, Bismarck, and Molly and Abby Slaby, Jamestown; five great-grandchildren, Maisie Patzner, Brita and Braxton Bowerman, and Claire and Adley Iverson. She leaves behind two brothers, Peter Loretta Hanson, Bismarck, Jim Mary Lou Hanson, Robinson; one sister, Ardene Barth, Duluth, MN; one sister-in-law, Joyce Hanson, Robinson; one brother-in-law, William Trautmann, Robinson; one sister-in-law, Loretta GlenWhite, Mandan; and a special friend, Glady's Wick, Robinson. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Velma Dorothy Hanson and Norma Hinkel; one brother, Dale Hanson; two half-sisters, Clara Hongerholt and Josephine Landsverk; one grandson, Brock Bowerman; one sister-in-law, Judy Trautmann; and special friend, Merna Bowerman.

Velma Trautmann

June 3, 1935 - November 14, 2013