Richard "Dick" Traufler

Richard (Dick) James Traufler, son of John and Teresa Traufler, was born February 12, 1932, at the Sacred Heart Hospital in LeMars, Iowa. He passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018, at his home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of eighty-six.
Dick was baptized February 14, 1932, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in LeMars, Iowa, and confirmed his faith October 17, 1941. He received his education at St. Joseph’s Catholic School through the 9th grade and then attended Central High School in Sioux City, Iowa. He continued his education at the Ag Schools with Moorman’s Manufacturing in Quincy, Illinois, and Hubbard Milling in Mankato, Minnesota.
Dick enlisted in the National Guard on July 5, 1950, and received an honorable discharge July 4, 1957, with the rank of sergeant. On May 1, 1953, Dick was united in marriage to Janet Zink and made their home in LeMars. At that time, Dick was employed at Wincharger Corporation in Sioux City. They moved to Sioux City and then in 1961 returned to LeMars where he was employed at the Wells Blue Bunny plant. In 1964, they moved to George, Iowa, where Dick was a District Manager for Moorman’s Manufacturing. In November of 1978, the family moved to Denison, Iowa, where Dick was the District Manager for Hubbard Milling and subsequently owned and operated his own business, Denison, Feed and Supply, from May 1, 1984 through June 1, 1994, when he retired.
While living in George, Iowa, Dick served as president of the Jaycees. Since moving to Denison, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club as well as helping with various duties and projects at Our Savior Lutheran Church. He also was an active member of the Listening Friends Program, working with first graders to help them learn to read. In his leisure time, Dick enjoyed golfing – especially with the seniors in Schleswig, hunting for deer and pheasants and fishing with his son, David, including walleye fishing in Lake Erie and in Minnesota. He also enjoyed woodcrafting. In 1990, Dick’s brother, Jerry, was carving life-size models of The Last Supper and asked Dick to model for Disciple James. The carving is displayed at the Queen of Peace Shrine in Sioux City.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William and his wife, Shirley, and Thomas; and one sister, Helen and her husband, James. Survivors include: his wife, Janet; one daughter, Jacqueline and her husband, Larry; two sons: David and his wife, Cindy, and Douglas; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Gerald and his wife, Arlene; other relatives and friends.