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Robert Trumpy Obituary
Robert T. Trumpy
SPRINGFIELD - Robert T. Trumpy, Sr., 86, of Springfield, died Saturday, October 23, 2010 at his home.
He was born in South Pekin, IL. March 16, 1924 the son of Forrest and Mary (Schaefer) Trumpy. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. He married Marion Miller in 1944 and she preceded him in death on November 7, 2009.
Robert was a US Veteran who served in World War II in the Army Air Corps as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator. During a bombing mission on a German synthetic fuel plant on December 17, 1944, his plane was shot down by German fighters. He parachuted into the mountains of Czechoslovakia, was captured by a German patrol, and was held as a prisoner of war in multiple German prison camps until late April 1945, when his prison camp was liberated by General George Patton's 3rd Army. He suffered as a result of extreme cold, poor sanitary conditions, and a limited food supply. During his captivity, he lost fifty pounds, which was a quarter of his body weight. He received a Purple Heart and several medals for his bravery.
Robert was a superior three sport athlete in high school, excelling in football, basketball and track. After the war, Robert attended Illinois State University, where he received undergraduate and Masters degrees in Education. At Illinois State, he was a starting running back on the football team. During his later years he was very active in the Springfield community. He was a member of the District 186 Board of Education, the YMCA, the American Business Club, and Luther Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church. Robert had a sixty year career as an investment advisor, and in his later years he co-managed an investment advisory firm with his daughter, Beckie Trumpy Ethell.
Robert was famous for his magic tricks and his tall tales, and he published a book of poetry. He loved to fish, golf and was a member of the Pasfield Park Golf League. He enjoyed watching many sports and his favorite teams were the Cincinnati Bengals, Illinois Fighting Illini, and the Northwestern Wildcats. In his final months of life, he set a goal to travel to Evanston to see his grandson Michael score a touchdown for Northwestern against Robert's alma mater, Illinois State. On September 11, 2010, Robert's dream came true.
Robert is survived by his son Robert T. "Bob" (wife Pat) Trumpy Jr, of Cincinnati, OH, his daughter Rebecca A. "Beckie" Ethell of Chatham, IL, his son, R. David (wife Beth) Trumpy of Wheaton, IL, his grandchildren Matt (wife Sally) Trumpy of Cincinnati, OH, Jason (wife Adrianne) Trumpy of Camp Hill, PA, Jamie (wife Toni) Trumpy of Sawyerville, IL, D.J. (wife Michelle) Trumpy of Chatham, IL, Justin Trumpy of Edwardsville, IL, Caroline, Michael and Claire Trumpy of Wheaton, IL., and Nick Ethell (wife Rhonda) and Michelle (husband Scott) Hudspeth, both of Athens, IL and his great grandchildren, Tyler, Trent, Cherokee, Allyson, Brandon, Hannah, Luke, Lauren, Josh, Connor, Lauren, Jack, Kelli and Morgan, and his sister Betty Horne of East Peoria.
Robert donated his remains to anatomical science.
A memorial gathering will be at Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. where the family will greet friends from 4-7 PM Wednesday, October 27, 2010. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, October 28, 2010 at Lutheran Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church 2600 S. 5th St. Springfield, IL. Pastor Ron Moorman and Pastor Jon Berg will officiate. Military Honors will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Springfield YMCA and the Lutheran Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church in Springfield.
Please visit Robert's Life Remembered Story at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Trumpy
Peter Kassak
January 20, 2011
I was fortunate to meet Bob during his trip in Slovakia in early 2000s. It was excellent meeting and I am grateful that I could meet him and others of his crew. I am sad to find out that he left this world, but May GOD give him good weather for his eternal flight...Salute and R.I.P.
Peter Kassak
http://www.airwarsk.sk
Anna Mulch
October 29, 2010
I had the good fortune to see Mr. Trumpy almost every day of the week when he came into the YMCA. He was a quiet man whose interest in the daily routines of the staff and members was subtle and caring. Like most, I could set my watch by Mr. Trumpy's enterance and exit to the facility. With a wave and smile, he could turn a trying day into a rewarding day based on his presence. Over the past year I saw him less and less and chalked it up to my schedule change. When I did see him he would always inquire about my family and my classes and grades. He will be missed by many.
Pat Stapleton
October 28, 2010
To the Trumpy Family--the world has lost a true gentleman and a wonderful teacher. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Mr. Trumpy after the deaths of my own parents. May he rest in the arms of the Lord forever. God bless his legacy.
Merry Willock
October 28, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to Beckie and Family in the loss of Mr. Trumpy. We can imagine that Joy and his wife, Marion, met him at the "pearly Gate" with arms wide open.
Remembering that Joy said that "Beckie's Dad always has a story for everything". Also, remembering that she said he loved family, and friends. May you remember the great stories and his love of family and freiends.
Merry Sue (Crafton)Willock and Gay Lynn (Crafton) Kyle;
Joy Janssen's sisters
Bill Kastien
October 28, 2010
I am so sorry I missed this in the paper. I would have come to the memorial Wed and would have especially like to see Bob.
Bob was a wonderful man who lived a long and productive life. My prayers are with his family.
October 28, 2010
Bob, Becky, David, and Families,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with your Dad and Grandfather and listening to his "stories". We will all miss him.
Sincerely, my condolences,
Brian Nafziger (Barb's son)
Cincinnati, OH.
Janet, Marla and Lynette Lueker
October 27, 2010
To the Trumpy family: The family of Paul Lueker send you our deepest sympathy. Our Dad thought the world of your Dad, both in life and in the insurance business. He was a honorary pallbearer at our fathers funeral.
October 27, 2010
James R. McIntyre
106 Vincent
Spfld, IL. 62702
October 27, 2010
Beckie and Family: Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. He and your mother were great neighbors when we lived on Fairway Drive, always pleasant to be with and a story or two for the kids. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. --- Ed & Becky Cobau and Family
Lenny Hamende
October 26, 2010
As a young kid, I remember my dad talking about Bob Trumpy with great respect and admiration. I never met him personally but send my condolences to his family.May he rest in peace right along with my father.
Peggy Robinson
October 26, 2010
Becky,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Lysle Kief Lewis
October 26, 2010
Bob and I were school mates, Class of 1942.
I always felt he was a good friend. He and my husband Chuck Lewis were POW's during WWII. I always thought of Bob as a good and great guy. The world will miss him.
October 26, 2010
We remember good times with Marion and Bob, for instance in Rockbridge Mo., and the many games of "35".
And the fishing and golfing at Lake Panasoffkee(Florida). We moved to Florida, finally.
Wes & Lucy Pease
Inverness, Fl.
October 26, 2010
Wes and Lucy Pease
Inverness, Fl
We'll miss you,Bob.
Ashly Willard
October 26, 2010
DJ, Jamie and Justin,
Sorry to hear about your grandpa. May your memories carry you through this time.
October 26, 2010
Dave, Bob and Becky,
Your Dad was such an out-going person. I will always remember him yelling across the street to me when I was out shooting baskets. I know he missed your Mom terribly and now they are together and happy as we have to suffer below.
GOD BLESS.
Jody Sander
October 26, 2010
Bob, our thoughts are with you and your family. I remember your Dad well. Strong and good man - and a great Dad.
Bruce Newell Orange County California
Dulany and Pat (Saladino) Sriner
October 26, 2010
"Trumpy" and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your folks were both wonderful people. Mr. Trumpy is now with your mom and at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of bereavement.
Sincere sympathy, love, and prayers,
Lisa Buckles
October 26, 2010
Prayers and comfort from our family to yours. Our dad Bob Schafer was friends with your dad and I remember sharing a trout fishing trip to Rockbridge Mo. with your family. I know you have many more family trip memories and and will share them in the days to come.
Lisa, Susan, Carrie and Rob
carole harmening
October 26, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Tom Armstead
October 26, 2010
God Bless you Bob and all your family.
October 26, 2010
Becky:
We send up our prayers of comfort to you and your family. May you be comforted knowing he is at peace and with your Mom. Mr Trumpy was a man of honor and we feel very privileged to have known him. We neither one would have retired in our 50's if it hadn't been for his sound advice many years ago.
Bill and Sally Fritcher
April Smith
October 26, 2010
Dave,
Such an outstanding man and one you could be proud to call "Dad". Enjoy all of those beautiful memories.
October 25, 2010
Dave and family, Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a neat guy...a little intimidating back when I was 16 but pretty cool. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Betsy Flesher Brudos
October 25, 2010
For 20 years we were blessed with Bob and Marion as dear neighors and friends. Our children were taught the magic tricks, golfing and told many stories on their back porch. Go in peace dear Bob and be with your beloved wife Marion. We will keep the light on for you!
Rick and Sara Murphy
Stephanie Lamb
October 25, 2010
Uncle Bob will be missed by so many. He always knew how to make the kids laugh and was always full of stories. I will always remember him and will miss him dearly... I love you Uncle Bob...
Bill Cornman
October 25, 2010
A well fought battle, may it be comforting to the family and friends.
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