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Richard Traugott Obituary
Dick was born on October 25, 1941, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Rev. Arthur Traugott and Laura Traugott. At a young age, his family moved to Ellinwood, Kansas, where he grew up and graduated high school. He attended Valparaiso University in Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, then continued his education at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, where he received his Doctorate of Medicine.
In 1966, Dick received a commission into the United States Army and began his distinguished medical career. He completed a rotating internship at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii; a four-year General Surgery Residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas; and a two-year Thoracic Surgery residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. His service took him to Seoul, Korea, where he served at the 101st Evacuation Hospital. He then returned to Brooke Army Medical Center as Chief of the Thoracic Surgery Department.
In 1978, he transitioned to private practice in Victoria, Texas, while continuing to serve his country in the Texas National Guard. During the Gulf War in 1991, his unit was activated and deployed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following this, he served as Chief of Surgery at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he served for seven years before retiring from 20 years of active duty.
In 2000, Dick and Susie moved to Fredericksburg, Texas. In retirement, he passionately engaged in mission work with Mission de Candelilla in Mexico, restored antique tractors and a fire truck, and enjoyed spending quality time with his family.
Dick is survived by his wife, Susie; children Stephanie (Jim), Todd (Pauline), Missy, Tim (Huyen), and Tommy (Valerie); grandchildren Kyndal (Gabe), Landry (Preston), Ryann, Charlie (Katie), Jack, Ty, Payton (Alex), Jayden, Tolan, Dobson, McCoy, and Chapman; great-grandchildren Ilana, Cash, Parker, and Steely; brother Arthur (Shirley), and sister Carol.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, with a Celebration of Life following at 1 p.m. at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, 115 East San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, Texas.
Contributions may be made in Dick's memory to Peterson Hospice of Kerrville, Holy Ghost Lutheran Church Building Fund, or Mission de Candelilla in Fredericksburg.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.schaetter.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Traugott
Sponsored by Schaetter Funeral Home - Fredericksburg.
Jim Pebler
October 23, 2025
Dear Susie ,Steph, Tom, Missy, Tim, Tom and your Beautiful family.
I knew your dad since before I was even a teenager. I have always looked up to him as a wonderful, Christian and roll model for my life. Many, many fond memories of Dick and Susie and your special family.
I will never forget you Dick. We will meet again someday.
Mike Evans
October 22, 2025
I worked with Dick for 5 years at Brooke. Wonderful surgeon & a real gentleman!
Marcia (Stitt) Wheatcroft
June 8, 2025
What a great and honorable life! Prayers for family and love to Carol who was close to my age! Friends in Ellinwood!
Jim & Sharon Shepherd Chumley
June 1, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richard Kimple
June 1, 2025
I was a classmate to his sister Carol and my brother Steve was a classmate to his brother Art. The Traugott's were an active family in Ellinwood. They were anchored by their Lutheran Faith. Dad was Ellinwood's funeral director, so he and Dick's dad Rev. Traugott worked together often. Dad and Rev. were involved in scouting leadership. I last spoke to Dick at one of his class reunions. His family has our deepest and most sincere sympathy. Richard & Stephen Kimple
Ron Hansen
May 27, 2025
Water skiing at Lake LBJ , Motorhome trips, Fishing and boating at Key Allegro ,TX, 4th of July fire works and 105 Howitzers at Fort Sam Houston.
Jim Pebler
May 23, 2025
Dr Richard,
Family, friend, mentor and someone who I have looked up to my entire life. Many of my earliest memories were in Ellinwood with Dick and family. I don't think I ever saw Dick (or Susie) have an angry moment. Always positive and uplifting. A wonderful example for all of us. God certainly blessed us and many with your life.
Dick, we will all miss you very much but you will always be with me in my heart.
Looking forward to the celebration of your life.
Xiomara Foote
May 23, 2025
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Memorial Events
for Richard Traugott
May
31
Visitation
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Holy Ghost Lutheran Church
115 East San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
May
31
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Holy Ghost Lutheran Church
115 East San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Funeral services provided by:
Schaetter Funeral Home - Fredericksburg301 East San Antonio Street PO Box 489, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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