Eugene “Gene” Lawrence Trautvetter a lifelong resident of Tioga, Illinois passed away on August 2, 2019, in Keokuk, IA. He was 87 years old.

Eugene was born on May 13, 1932, in Tioga, Illinois. He was the son of Lawrence Herman and Norma (Haner) Trautvetter, who had four children.

Eugene attended grade school and middle school in Tioga, Illinois. He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1950. After graduation, he received the F.F.A.’s American Farmer Degree, of which only one other Warsaw graduate has ever been given. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1955.

Eugene married Virginia Linquist in 1956 in Tioga and she preceded him in death. Together they had three children; Randall, Timothy, and Lynne.

Eugene had a deep love of the beauty of God’s creation and found great pleasure in being outside in all seasons.

As a boy, he began to plant trees and appreciate that his role was that of a “keeper” of what was planted. He was always mindful that God was the originator.

During his lifetime he worked hard in all the usual ways that farmers do. Over thirty years ago he became interested in black walnut trees. During the years to follow he planted by hand over 10,000 seedlings and plants, black walnut trees along with other oaks and maples. In addition to that he began to create orchards. This further led to his interest in bees and beekeeping. He knew that these trees would never be mature or of a financial benefit to him in his lifetime. He did this just because he believed trees should be planted by anyone who has the opportunity. Many of these trees now stand on land that was once owned by his great grandfather. His legacy of faith and work will be remembered and cherished by his friends and family for generations to come.

A treasured memory of Eugene’s was his trip to Israel, where he was inspired to continue to learn and grow deeper in understanding of the Bible. This learning never stopped, and his inspiration was transferred to his friends and family.

Gene had many interests. He enjoyed going to auctions and sales in search of unique and special antiques, in particular Depression-era glass. He had this in common with his special friend, Evelyn Ann Brink and her daughter Julie, who Gene considered a second daughter.

All of his family and friends will remember the special gift of his ability to find the humor in life or to remind one of trust in God, in spite of any circumstance.

Eugene was a member of Vermont Street United Methodist Church in Quincy, where he had served on the Board of Trustees. He had previously served on the Mendon School Board and the North Adams Home Board.

Eugene was preceded in death by two of his children, Randall Trautvetter and Lynne Trautvetter; his sister, Naomi Jingst and her spouse Calvin Jingst; a nephew, Stephen Snider.

Eugene is survived by his son: Timothy Trautvetter of Tioga, IL;
His siblings: Doris Trautvetter Snider and Dr. Ned Snider of Arlington, VA; Delma Jean Trautvetter Hardy and Colonel Charles Hardy of Tucson, AZ;
Nieces and nephews: Amy and Patrick Moody and their children, Christopher (Cristi) Moody, Sean Moody, and Jessica (Dan) Bruce of West Palm Beach, FL;
Cindy and Jeff Miller and their children Joy (Jayson) Higbee, Jeremey (Kelsey) Miller, and Patti (Jacob) Lueck from Indianapolis, IN; Sonja (Snider) and Nick DeCarlo and their children Nicholas and Stephen of Arlington, VA; Becky (Snider) and Greg Ruffennach and their children Rachel, Stephen and Michael of Stevensville, MD; Dr. Eric and Dr. Dory Hardy and their children Charlie and Maggie from Tucson, AZ; Friends who were his family, Ann Brink and Julie Brink of Quincy.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 9, 2019 from 9:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy, IL. Graveside services will take place immediately follow in Bethany Church Cemetery in Tioga, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends make donations in memory of Eugene to Vermont Street United Methodist Church or to the Quincy Park District’s Heritage Tree Program.