Edward Ambrose Trautt

April 29, 1915 - Feb. 17, 2017

"When twilight dims and shadows disappear, and, in the distance, I faintly hear a bugle call, Ill know that the time is near, to reach out to Him, who has also walked beside me, as I journeyed down lifes highway."

-- Edward Trautt

Colonel U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

Edward Ambrose Trautt passed away peacefully on Feb. 17, at Sutter Hospital in Sacramento after suffering a massive stroke three days earlier. He will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and his stories. He remained active and ambulatory until the end, driving legally and safely until he gave up his drivers license in his 100th year, and relying on a walker only the last year of his life. His energy, positive and can-do attitude, love of family, God, country and life, set a great example. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Edward was born in Akron, IA to parents John James and Margaret Anna (Arbes) Trautt. He attended schools in Iowa and Wisconsin, graduating from Port Wing Wisconsin High School in 1935, and from the University of Wisconsin at Superior on June 7, 1940, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bio-Chemistry. World War II seemed imminent, and three weeks after graduation, on June 30, he enlisted as a private in the Wisconsin National Guard. The Guard was ordered to Federal Active Duty on Oct. 15, 1940, and his unit from Superior, WI reported to Camp Beauregard Alexandria, LA, the start of his military career.

After serving his first one year tour of duty, Edward reenlisted in the Army Air Corps on Oct. 25, 1941 for another three years. In that second tour of duty, he initially attended Aircraft Mechanics School at Keesler Air Field, Biloxi, MI. In February 1942, Edward was selected to attend Army Air Corps Officers Candidate School, in Miami Beach, FL, and graduated on May 11, 1942, with orders to report to Chanute Air Field, for a 30 day OJT for Command and administrative assignments. Upon completion of that training, he reported to Lincoln, Nebraska Air Field for assignment of Squadron Adjutant. Some months later, he volunteered for overseas duty and served for two years in the China, Burma, India (CBI) Asiatic Pacific Campaign from January 1944 to February 1946.

After the end of WWII, he served in France from February 1946 to April 1947. During that assignment, he was introduced to Ludmila Perebaskine, a Russian emigree, living with her parents in Paris. It was love at first sight. Six months later they were married. He subsequently served overseas in Korea from February 1951 to March 1952 and Germany from August 1955 to September 1958.

Edwards military duty started as company cook, then in order of assignments, served as Sq. Adjutant, Supply Squadron Commander, Base Supply Officer, Base Material Officer, and Base Logistics Officer. For the last five years of military service, he served in the Air Force as Commander of Aircraft Maintenance - Supply Group.

His military awards included an Army commendation medal and Air Force commendation medal and 13 other medals and service ribbons. Twice he was awarded the Department of the Air Force commendatory achievement award for "Outstanding Performance of Supply Officer Duties".

After 26 years of military service, he retired in the grade of Colonel, U.S. Air Force, on Nov. 1, 1966, at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. Edward was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, Post 6949, Davis, and the American Legion, Post 77, Woodland, where, in 2009-10, at age 95, he served as Post Commander and was honored for being the oldest active American Legion Post Commander in the U.S.A. His last military award was bestowed on June 28, 2015, by Assemblyman Bill Dodd, who presented Edward with the "Veteran of the Year" award for his district. Dad was humbled to receive the award in recognition of his lifetime of service and commitment to our country, military and veterans.

Edward also had a post-military career. In the first two years after he retired from the military, he worked as a substitute teacher for high school chemistry and biology for the Sacramento California School District until Nov. 1, 1968, when he was hired full time as a health inspector by the Yolo County Health Department, in Woodland. He retired from that job, on May 1, 1980 at the age of 65. Edward and Ludmila lived in Yolo County for the past 48 years, 18 years in Woodland, almost 30 years in Village Homes, Davis, and the past year with their daughter, Teresa Vyvlecka and her husband, Bobby Vyvlecka in West Sacramento.

After his second retirement, Edward wrote and self published his memoirs for his family. Later, he published his book, "Proud to Serve", which chronicles his life, emphasizing his childhood and military service. He updated his book effective June 1, 2016, at the age of 101 while recovering from pneumonia.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, John James Trautt and Margaret Anna Arbes; daughter, Natalie Montenegro; granddaughter, Christina Anderson; son-in-law, Martin Bernavage, and all 10 of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by Ludmila Perebaskine Trautt, his wife of 70 years, the love of his life; his children, Ann Rymsza, Mary Bernavage, Irene Anderson, John Trautt, Teresa Vyvlecka, Thomas Trautt, Catherine Stocker, Elizabeth Jenson and Antoinette Davis; 31 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., at McNarys Funeral Home, 458 College St.

The Mass of Christian burial will be in Woodland, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Holy Rosary Church, 301 Walnut St., with Rev. Fr.