Robert "Bob" Trautloff

Robert "Bob" Trautloff, age 99, of New Ulm, died Friday, October 10, 2025 at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH Chapel in New Ulm, with Pastor John Schofield officiating. Burial will follow in New Ulm City Cemetery with full military honors provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH Chapel in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Julie Stephens of New Ulm; son, Robert (Kristin) Trautloff of New Ulm; grandchildren, David and Tim Trautloff; and sister, Doris Snider of LaQuinta, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Velma; his wife, Merre' (Stephens) Trautloff; his son, Timothy Trautloff; and his brothers, Loren and Carol Trautloff.

Robert "Bob" Trautloff was born on August 3, 1926, in Atchison, Kansas, to Henry and Velma (Dunster) Trautloff. He graduated from Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California. He served his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II, later continuing his service in the Air Force Reserve. Though called up for the Korean War, he was never deployed. During his time in service, Bob played trombone in the March Airfield Band.

After the war, Bob attended business school for a year before enrolling at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music. On April 14, 1956, he was united in marriage to Merre' Stephens in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they built a wonderful life and were blessed with three children.

Bob worked as a machinist at Henry's Machine Works, where he specialized in crafting high-performance parts for race cars. When his parents retired, he took over the family business. Outside of work, Bob was an exceptional musician who played bass trombone in numerous groups, including the New Ulm Municipal Band, Over 60 Band, and the University of Mankato Orchestra. He was a member of Local 47 Musicians' Union, the Oratorio Society, and Bones West.

Above all, Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed every moment spent with his family and took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow. He will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Bob loved Jesus Christ and knew him as his Lord and Savior. He had a heart for sharing his faith with others.

Blessed be his memory.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Robert "Bob" Trautloff, please click here to visit our sympathy store.