Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Richard Trapp Obituary
Richard E. Trapp - 12/31/31, died peacefully with his wife of 66 years at his side on April 13, 2021. Richard (Dick) was a graduate of St. John's Military Academy and Hillsdale College. He served in the army as a radio repairman, and later joined the George W. Trapp Company, a storm door & window manufacturer started in 1930 by his father, where his innovation and creativity drove a company that spanned three generations. An avid skier into his 80's Richard shared many an apres ski cold beer with friends and family at the bottom of ski areas all over the world. Richard took his family skiing in his motor home every other weekend to Shanty Creek and Sugar Loaf Mountain, where he was on the National Ski Patrol for many years. Richard and his wife Rosemary were world travelers and had many adventures including bungee jumping out of a hot air balloon, tandem skydiving, white water rafting, and flying a fighter jet. Dick Trapp was a regular participant in the Detroit Turkey Trot, Belle Isle 200 bike ride and took his children and grandchildren to the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade and Detroit Fireworks for most of his life. He was active in the community and served on the Board of the Livonia Family Y and Redford Kiwanis. Despite all the world travels and experiences, Dick's favorite moments were those spent at the family cottage, where for over 50 years the family has gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July. Dick appreciated a "rip-snorter" camp fire, a lake view, a cold beer, and good conversation with family, friends (and often friends of friends) about skiing, windsurfing, or anything having to do with chainsaws, tools, or uses for duct tape.
Dick is survived by his adoring wife Rosemary, children Darby (Eland) and Bob, Richard (Rusty) and SallyJo, Bill and Caroline, Andrew and Amy, and grandchildren Logan, LeeAnne, Lauren, Baxter, Michelle, Davis, Lucy, and Will.
Donations can be made in Dick's honor to the National Ski Patrol, at:
https://nspserves.org/donate/
A Zoom service will be held on Saturday, April 17th at 4:00pm EST. Contact the family for details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Trapp
Monique Grant
April 10, 2024
Remembering you and Mrs. Trapp singing to each other in the room and laughing lol! I also remember you always buying her flowers and how happy she would be! I loved how you loved each other! Gone but never forgotten!
David Julien
January 30, 2023
We will never forget Dick. I had the pleasure of traveling to the Rockies in their motor home for a ski week. My daughter Renee was with us and Dick was always positive about everything. What a blessing to have known him and Rosemary. People like Dick just don´t come along often. Our condolences to the family. He lived life as it should be. Can´t foget the time he spent teaching me to ski moguls. Our best to the whole family.
David and Elaine Julien
Bill Rehn
April 10, 2022
He picked me up when I fell and bumped my head one Easter Sunday. I was about four years old. It was a rough moment for me. I was glad he was there.
Judith Tann
April 9, 2022
Dick was a kind, loving, and friendly gentleman .I enjoyed his company at family gatherings.
He always had a smile on his face and he surely loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Denise Fleckenstein
April 21, 2021
I met Richard and Rosemary 11 years ago when I first started at United Way. I was struck by their kindness and will always be grateful for their generosity to our community.
Edie Broida
April 21, 2021
He was exceptional! As an only child he craved family and raised an amazing one, all of whom adored him. What a role model! Others will speak of his proficiency with tools , his athletic ability his generosity and kindness but as the mother of his favorite daughter- in-law (which will bring a chuckle) I can attest to the warmth and love he gave to all . My heart breaks for Rosemary missing this exceptional man but that exceptional family will bring comfort and understanding every day, it was a privilege to be part of the Trapp family.
Velmour Rowe
April 20, 2021
Although Mr Trapp has passed on , his memories still lives on with those that knew him. For those that didn't he was a wonderful man. He was not afraid to pass on knowledge to others and share his memorable experiences. Best of all was his smile that says more than just words.
~Velmour Rowe
Julie Phill
April 20, 2021
What a GIFT the Trapp Family is to so many people. My Family has been Blessed to be part of there BIG world for a long time. They know how to always have fun and to be there whenever you need them. I will never forget looking out of my upstairs window while Mr Trapp took my dad to chemo. What a kind gracious soul he had. The 2 of them shared all there favorite places with so many. Mr and Mrs Trapp has left a legacy through there children and grandchildren. There Love and Songs will live on forever. It is an honor and privilege to have been a piece of there lives. Thank you from the bottom of my ❤ To the Top of the Rockies.
Julie Knight Phill
Carol & Don Strauch
April 17, 2021
I have been friends with Darby since junior high. Knowing her family has been a joy my whole life. I always noticed the happy twinkle in Dick's eyes and had great conversations with him.
Favorite memories: Driving downtown in their RV to tour the Vernors plant and see the Detroit fireworks with a view from the roof of the RV on the river! Dick's fabulous Red jacket at Christmas, Dick sneaking a taste of my chicken dip & regretfully as we were jammed in the bathroom with 24 people, I mistakenly went in with my drink held high in the air. Another person came in, my drink toppled & I poured it right down Dick's neck! He brought happiness to all that knew him & we are all truly blessed to know him! We send our Sympathy & Love to his family.
Carol & Don Strauch
Joan and Kit Bickes
April 17, 2021
So sorry to hear about Dick.
We miss you both, our neighbors and friends.
Owen Davis
April 17, 2021
Listening to family members speak during the memorial was heartwarming. Dick was a guy everybody liked, and it was good to hear his children describe why he was special, even when his motor home broke down. Contributions from his daughters-in-law also were a nice touch. Y'all should be proud.
Mary and Bruce Wiers
April 17, 2021
Our prayers go out to Rusty and SJ and all of the Trapp family on the loss of your father and grandfather. May God be with you.
Rick and Virginia
April 17, 2021
What a wonderful tribute to Dick! Dick and Rosemary have a great family. You can see the love all around.
The times I remember the most with Dick were during the Rehn reunions with crazy adventures and nutty games in the backyard and all the neighbors wondering where these people came from. All the family getting off the plane in Dallas dressed up like hillbillys with straw coming out of their pants and ears of corn in their pockets. There were things like singing "Deep in the heart of Texas" on the party bus until nobody could stand the song any longer. But my most favorite memory was when Dick and I ordered steak tartar in a Prague restaurant when everybody was still thinking about mad cow decease in Europe. Rosemary and Virginia though we were nuts and I think we were.
Thank you all again for sharing some of your memories of Dick with us.
Kate Stewart
April 17, 2021
I had the pleasure of meeting him through his daughter (Darby) whom I am lucky to have as a friend. I will always remember the fun that was had at the annual Christmas party, my first trip to the T-Day parade - Trapp Style! and getting to spend time in Empire.
I proudly have a Trapp Door on my home and will think fondly of him and his family each day when I use it.
Mary Jo Reutter
April 17, 2021
I have fond memories of the whole Trapp family at holidays during my high school years. Bill I’m sorry for your loss of this really wonderful man.
Anders
April 17, 2021
My American Dad.
He took his time listening to the foreigner, really trying to understand what I wanted to say.
I remember him as always gentle, down to earth, inventive and emphatic.
Dave McClary
April 17, 2021
We have a cottage next to the Trapp’s in Empire. Besides having many wonderful chats with Dick over the years, the one thing I’ll remember most is how he was never in a hurry. He had the most admirable “saunter” and watching him go from the beach to the house and to the house from the beach always helped me transition to “Empire mode”. I confess I don’t know Dick all that well—-perhaps this was his way at home and work but, regardless, it was a lesson to all to slow down and enjoy life.
Collect Cheh
April 17, 2021
In honour of a great man,a man of value,you might be gone but your good memories will still remain.May Gods angels continue to smile at you .You are a blessing to your generation. Thank you for your kindness,compassion will never be forgotten.
Mike and Edlynn Rehn
April 17, 2021
We said goodbye to a prince this morning. And we will say goodbye to another prince this afternoon.
Al and Reva Wujcik
April 16, 2021
What fun living across the street from the Trapps in Redford.Always lots of kids around, lots of laughter and fun. Made our neighborhood a great place to be. Some favorite observations: Dick organizing watermelon seed spitting contests, a crazy day spent trying to plant a full sized tree on the front lawn which took a whole day with lots of friends helping and plenty of liquid refreshment for the help, Dick driving the hi/low to work the next day down Woodworth and Beech Daly back to the shop. Jumping off the garage roof into the pool (a trick my kids followed when we put in our pool), Dick always with a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. Our house still has Trapp doors as do several others on Woodworth. We were all so sad when they moved to "the other side of the park". The neighborhood was never quite the same. Wonderful neighbors, great parents to their children and mentors to many others. It was such a memorable time sharing those years with the Trapps. You added so many blessings to our neighborhood and community. Our deepest sympathy to the Trapp family. Will always remember you fondly.
The Raeside/Wujcik families.
Ralph Lameti
April 16, 2021
Dick was a wonderful human being.He had an immense knowledge and experience of how to live life to the fullest.We should all take lessons from Dick on how to work hard and enjoy life for the short time we are alive.
Bill Rehn
April 16, 2021
Uncle Dick. My uncle and Godfather. Laughter and smiles. Enjoyer of life. Generous, capable and caring. Willing. Speaking with Uncle Dick at Bill Trapps' 50th birthday party I said to him, "You have skiied all over the world. Where is your favorite place"? "Where ever I am".
April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021
DB
April 16, 2021
Mr. Trapp, You were the best, many many wonderful memories. Thank you!
Matthew Rehn
April 16, 2021
One of my first memories of Uncle Dick was on a family ski trip to Sugarloaf. I remember walking to the lodge when Uncle Dick comes skiing up to us. He had his ski patrol outfit on and I remember thinking “This guy is Super cool!”
I wish every kid was lucky enough to have an Uncle Dick! I’ll miss you dearly❤
Judi tann
April 16, 2021
At our family gatherings I remember Dick as being friendly, and always with a smile on his face.. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather, and friend.
He will be missed.
Dave Mac
April 16, 2021
My memories of Uncle Dick :
He loved life.
He loved practical jokes.
He could carry on a conversation.
He was forever working on projects.
I enjoyed the time spent at the Empire Cottage, which led to going to Joes Friendly Tavern in town, which led to the annual running of the “Drop Trou 500” race!
He will be dearly missed!
Monique Grant
April 16, 2021
From Monique and Maple two of your Caregivers!!!
My favorite thing about Mr. Trapp was his lighthearted, funny, and silly personality! He loved to teach you something, share a story and share a laugh! I’ll truly miss my Buddy!!! We pray you all keep smiling, remain strong and continue to love on one another which I know you all will!- With Love Monique, Maple and the Grant Family
P.S. We have something coming for Mrs. Trapp at a later date!!!
Susan Mac
April 15, 2021
Uncle Dick was one of the best men I know. Thoughtful, kind, full of spirit. Hardworking, energetic, intelligent, fun loving. Always a kind word, always a smile, understanding. I remember family Christmas Eve's growing up, thanksgiving parades with hot chocolate, learning to dive in the pool at the house in Redford. Great conversations as I grew older. He will be missed yet forever in our hearts and memories
Dave Mac
April 15, 2021
My memories of Uncle Dick :
He loved life.
He loved practical jokes.
He could carry on a conversation.
He was forever working on projects.
I enjoyed the time spent at the Empire Cottage, which led to going to Joes Friendly Tavern in town, which led to the annual running of the “Drop Trou 500” race!
He will be dearly missed!
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Trapp's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Trapp
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Trapp's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
