Viona "Vi" Trautman

Viona Margaret’s journey began July 6, 1932 in Lefor, ND, as Paul and Barbara Gerstner’s first of five children. Vi attended school in Dickinson, ND, graduating from Central High in 1951. Her next stop was Fargo, where she worked as a nanny, in a dimestore, and as an inventory clerk at Corwin Churchill. At a dance in this same year, she met a young brick mason by the name of Don Trautman, and December 27, 1952 she became his wife.

Their life together began simply, sleeping on a pull out couch in an Airstream trailer and taping the cupboards shut as they packed up and followed bricklaying jobs around the tri­state area. Of course, things only got better, with the arrival of three lovely children, and by 1957 this upstart family now called Fargo their permanent home. 1957 also saw $50 and a wheelbarrow start what would eventually become D.C. Trautman Co., a successful general contracting firm Vi helped run until 2000. Vi parlayed this experience into other successful ventures, including working with Monsanto, serving a term as president of NAWIC (National Assoc. of Women in Construction), and not only being the first woman in Sertoma but also becoming their first female District Governor.

Success in business provided Vi many opportunities to give back to her community. Her work with Sertoma was not limited to governorship, she at times served as their president and treasurer, helping with their flag service and holiday lights. Besides being involved in numerous service organizations like the Elkettes, Shrine Hospital Auxiliary and the Oriental Band Aides, she also helped out at the YWCA, directing their building committee and chairing their chocolate fantasy event. While service work was nice, Vi’s heart truly belonged to the church. Over the years she taught Sunday school, worked with the board of trustees, and filled the roles of superintendent, deaconess, clerk, librarian and president of Women’s Fellowship.

Vi will live on in the memories of those who remain, her sister Karen (Tug) Smith, Curtis Trautman and Debra (Don) Sizemore, her children. Six grandchildren, Paul, Michael, Andrew, Lisa, Richard and Nicole. Six great grandchildren, Jordan, Eric, Haley, Gage, Rikki Lee, Sadie and Odin. Hadley, her great great granddaughter, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She and her family also wish to thank the staff at Bethany, your compassion, love and dedication made her twilight voyage as wonderful as the all the days that led her to your care.

Heaven reunited Vi with her parents, Paul and Barbara, her loving husband, Don, Sandy, her daughter, siblings Arlene, Della, and Loyd, her nephews Jackson and David; Linda, her niece, and countless friends earned through a life well lived.