Thomas Joseph Traeger

FUNERAL HOME

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

14951 Bothell Way NE

Seattle, Washington

Thomas Traeger Obituary

Thomas Joseph Traeger

Thomas Joseph Traeger was born in 1936 one month after his parents moved with Tom's eight siblings from South Dakota to Oregon. After growing up in Mt. Angel, he attended college with scholarships at St. Martin's University, earning a degree in Industrial Relations. He later completed a master's degree from Seattle University in Education Administration. Tom taught and held various roles in the Shoreline School District for 30 years, where his last position was Assistant Superintendent.

Tom loved to travel, bicycle, attend plays, and garden with his wife Roberta (Bobbi), as well as golf with a group of friends. He was known for his quick wit, keeping people laughing with his jokes and keen responses. Tom lived every day to its fullest despite numerous health setbacks. He succumbed to cancer on March 4, 2016.

Tom thoroughly enjoyed researching and writing about his family's German and Irish roots. This love of history also extended to community. When his adopted city of Kenmore incorporated in 1998, Tom established the Kenmore Heritage Society and served as its president for five years. He was instrumental in the writing of the Kenmore History Book which won state and national awards. He also planted the seed for the idea of a History Path at Logboom Park, and worked with a team to bring this amazing project to fruition. Tom was a Kenmore resident for 50 years and belonged to several civic organizations.

In retirement Tom enjoyed watercolor and acrylic painting, as well as creating garden sculptures. His art decorates the walls of Alexa's cafe in Bothell, which he often recommended for "great food and OK art". He generously donated proceeds from his sales to Eastside Baby Corner. Tom was also a skilled craftsman with a flair for architectural design, building a large addition and completing several remodels to his home.

In addition to his loving wife of almost 39 years, Tom is survived by son Gavin (Rachel) and their children Thomas and Isabella of London, UK; son Jason of Portland, OR; and daughter Darcy (Kevin) Slater and their son Kellen of Snohomish; sisters Antoinette Traeger (OSB), Mary Schurr, Regina Schiedler, and Geraldine Beyer. Tom also left a multitude of loving nieces and nephews. He will be missed beyond belief.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at Acacia on April 2 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastside Baby Corner or Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Please share memories and sign the online guestbook at www.legacy.com/seattletimes.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Mar. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Traeger

Sponsored by The Family.

7 Entries

Michael Jones

May 21, 2024

I was deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing, well after it happened. He was a very good friend. We had many talks about teaching and life. I remember when he called me one afternoon, and complained about chest pain, wanting me to drive him to the ER. I told him to call 911 ASAP. This was sometime in the late 1980s. I was so thankful that he survived this. What an inspirational person! I miss him. Mike Jones, Kellogg Middle School Science Teacher.

Cathy Arnett

April 21, 2016

Whenever we visit our daughter in Bothell,WA we always eat at Alexa's cafe. We were there today, and I asked a young man there about the artist, and I took my I phone and photographed the picture of Tom and decided to use google to find out if he had a website. I can assure you, everyone who has gone to Alexa's cafe has had their meals enhanced by viewing his acrylic paintings there on display .
We live in Baton Rouge,LA and visit our daughter, and now a grandson, who live in Bothell. Our two year old grandson is enthralled by Toms artwork on the walls at Alexa's cafe on Main Street in Bothell.
It saddens me to think that this wonderful man may not even have realized just how many lives he has touched with his brightly colored paintings.
I'm so glad that his family has chosen to leave this up so others can share here.
My heart goes out to his wife and family.
In a way , Alexa's cafe serves as a mini museum or a gallery. I truly hope that his work will remain there,and perhaps there could be a write up about him as you enter the restaurant/,gallery .
I am sure that the patrons of Alexa's enjoy seeing his work there. Thank you to His family for sharing his legacy with others.
May his memory live on through his original art.

March 23, 2016

what a beautiful man who lived his Faith so richly. My children were blessed to have him as their teacher at Brookside Elementary and he was one of their FAVORITE teachers of all time.

His kindness extended to my youngest daughter when he was part of Shoreline Schools Administration. He always gave over and beyond and his memory is so dear.

I am now eager to go to his favorite restaurant in Bothell and see his paintings.
The last I saw him was in 1975 but the memory of him is crystal clear--so kind, so sweet, and so handsome. I am sure his dear wife agrees.

Time goes on, but those who have lived such beautiful loving lives are with us forever.

Blessings to his dear family and his host of friends. Count me in. I hope to make it to his memorial service and meet his loved ones.

Jean Monce Bryant (formerly Strandberg)
Lake Forest Park

leigh henderson

March 15, 2016

Tom was a powerful force in his own way on earth...and pretty sure he will be in heaven. We have loved having Tom's presence with his art work on the walls of Alexa's Cafe...Tom thru his paintings has become part of the "fabric" of Alexa's Cafe...I could always tell where he traveled to when he showed up with more paintings to grace the walls...Tom I expect you will be shining over us at your favorite cafe..where the "food is OK but the Art is fantastic!" Much love ....Leigh, Danica & Alexa

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Dorene Cook

March 15, 2016

Bobbi & Family;

I would like to send my deepest condolences and prayers for the loss of cousin Tom, whom I greatly appreciated the thoughtfulness of him sharing your side of the Traeger family tree.
I wish I may have had the opportunity of meeting him in person but I will have the everlasting memory of his emails.
Sincerely;
Cousin Dorene

Pete & Cindy Slater

March 13, 2016

May the memories ease the pain and grieving. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Traeger family. We will miss you Tom.

Roxanne Brouwers

March 13, 2016

I was hoping to meet Tom in person since we were exchanging emails. Seeing his paintings inspired me to get back into doing my sketches and watercolor painting.

Many thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Cousin Roxanne

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