Robert "Bob" Trautmann

Robert Trautmann, 94, of Black Mountain, NC passed away June 12, 2024.
Dr. Trautmann was born June 1, 1930, in Cleveland, North Dakota. He was a resident of North Dakota, Colorado, Michigan, Kansas, Ohio, Tennessee and Georgia before retiring to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Elaine Trautmann, his wife Pat Trautmann (Doling) and his son Kurt Trautmann. He is survived by his daughters Sarah Trautmann, Cynthia Keyes and Gretchen Trautmann, as well as his grandchildren, Karl Galloway, Daniel Keyes, Steven Keyes, Emmarose Galloway and Rexanne Trautmann.
Bob received his PhD from University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO, and had a distinguished career as a professor, then Chairman in different schools of education at colleges and universities in the country. He held a position as Dean of the School of Education at Valdosta State University. He believed profoundly in the power of public education and considered it the building block of democracy in the US. He was also a firm believer in education beyond the classroom, through travel, conversation, open mindedness and curious inquiry. With his family he traveled these United States, Canada and Mexico, visiting National Parks, Historic sites and all sorts of places in between. In his later years, with his wife he also traveled to Europe.
Bob's wishes were to bequeath his body for medical education to Wake Forest University School of Medicine. A memorial will be held at a future date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider Givens Highland Farms, Staff Appreciation Fund, 200 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.