1934 ~ 2023
With blessed hearts, our family would like to share, after a remarkable 88 years of life here on earth – our dad, papa, companion and friend, Kenneth Trapp, got his “ticket to Heaven” on Friday, July 14th, 2023, at 4:40 a.m. On a peaceful morning, he reunited with the love of his life at the Gates of Heaven. Ironically, the rumble of a 440 engine with dual exhaust always excited him – so the time was fitting as he cruised to Heaven – in his best dance outfit and a fresh hair cut with a “kiss curl” – embracing his wife that he missed so dearly and couldn’t wait to “ask her to have the Last Dance with him”.
Our sweet papa is survived by his children Doug (Lennie) Trapp, Nancy (Bruce) Melan, Shelley (Neil) Armstrong, and Sue (Colin) Tribula; and his grandchildren Janelle, Chad and Mark, Jack and Julia, Erin and Kate; as well as his special friend Madaleen Voss; his good friend Glenn Mroz; and extended family, Robert and Sharlene Thompson and their family.
Ken was welcomed with grand hugs in Heaven as he was predeceased by his wife Joan, his grandson Scott, his parents William, Tillie and Louis along with many relatives and wonderful friends.
Ken was born on November 7th, 1934 and married to his beautiful wife on May 9th, 1959. He had an array of work experiences in life – a cook hand on construction, a heavy machine operator, owning and operating the local Gateway Restaurant, a farmer, a bushman cutting pulp, and finishing his journey of careers operating an excavator on the Red River Floodway. He was so proud of all his accomplishments throughout the years. Papa loved to work, took great pride in every job he did and always said “if you aren’t going to do it right don’t do it at all”. After his official retirement, he continued his strong work ethic, enjoying his daily work – cutting trees, cutting grass, rebuilding and renewing his Ford lawn tractors, and lending a hand to Glenn as they broke new land. The two guys had a bromance like no other. Glenn gave papa purpose in life – asking papa to “pull the levers” on his excavator while offering much wisdom and advice. Glenn’s words “he was a great man – they don’t make them like that anymore”. A mutual admiration indeed.
Papa (and Nana) loved their old-time music – floating across the dance floor in perfect time – “covering many miles” as papa would say, meeting many dear friends in their travels. Even crowned Polka King and Queen amongst a dance floor of beautiful dance couples. Papa sure loved his old-time music – it played everywhere, all day. It made his heart sing. And when nana got her ticket to Heaven – papa’s companion, Madaleen, filled a void in his life – allowing him to spin and twirl once again on the dance floor. They were good friends and had a special friendship. Papa spoke highly of all his dance friends; they were his extended family.
Throughout papa’s years, he loved having coffee and playing 3 games of cribbage every morning with nana, they loved to travel miles to dance and visit family, always with laughter and antics along the way. He loved watching his grandkids in dance and sport and was so proud of them all. He loved making sausage, gardening, canning and having plenty of laughs around bonfires with friends and family. Papa loved to reminisce and tell stories. With a welcoming smile he made many great friends in his 88 years.
We would like to thank Dr. Schmidt, Beausejour Hospital, HSC medical staff for all their care. Papa had a big heart and kind soul. He used every ounce of his grand heart to give to others, until his heart finally gave out, passing away peacefully at home.
Papa, you were a wonderful dad, an amazing papa and a perfect gentleman, with a strong work ethic and the kindest soul – a life well lived. You gave endlessly to those you loved and those in need – we are grateful for all the love, wisdom and help you have given us. As Papa said, “it’s my time, I’ve had a good life, mom is waiting for me”. May God keep you in his grace. May you always be an Angel in our midst. Do us a favour and please Kiss an Angel Good Morning as Charlie Pride would say. Love you pops!
In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward and make a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a donation of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel; 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour, MB.
Offer Condolence for the family of Kenneth William Edward Trapp
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Ron and Sharon Martin
Deepest condolences to the family.
Randy Steinke
So sorry for your loss!
RIP Mr Trapp
Colleen
Have many memories being with the Trapp family when I hung out in Beausejour!
Staying with the Trapps when running the Gateway restaurant!
My condolences and prayers to the family.
He will be missed greatly!
Gerald Graves
My deepest condolences to the Trapp family. I have many memories of Ken. Had Coffee with friends at the Gateway for many years. Attended many social events where ever their was music. We spent two months together in Grand Forks for medical treatments, and as a result Ken and I hosted a reunion celebrating our time spent in Grand Forks with all the great people we met there. What a fun guy, we will sure miss him.
Susan Kaatz
Deepest condolences to the entire Trapp family, so very sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close. Rest in Peace
Karen & Art Berry and Lorraine Schewe
Our deepest condolences . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Debbie and Larry Okolita
Our sincere condolences to the Trapp family. I was fortunate to be employed at Gateway during high school. Was always a treat to run into Ken and share a catch up conversation. A great man. He will be missed by many.
Leanne Harder
Our deepest sympathies to our friends Colin, Sue, Erin, and Kate. Our wish is that your memories of your dad and grandpa are happy and make you laugh and smile.
With love and hugs,
The Harders
Betty Buss
Deepest Condolences. Our thoughts are with you all. RIP Ken. A whole lot of friends and family waiting to greet you. You will be missed
Marianne Sarich
My deepest condolences to the Trapp families!
I remember your mom and dad when I lived in Beausejour 40 years ago. Hugs to you all from the Stan Richards family…
Steve & Debbie
Our deepest condolences. Beautiful tribute to your dad and papa. Heaven has gained an angel and the night sky has an extra bright star shining. Keep dancing❤️
Olga Relf
Ken was my brother Adolph’s friend and worked together for Tony Schreyer’s Construction years ago. Ken always had a hug for me when I saw him in memory of my brother .Ken is a special guy and I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Your parents looked beautiful together when they danced.Sincerely Olga Relf (Splett)
Christine Singbeil
May God grant you all strength during this time of sorrow. Your dad was an amazing man. He loved his family dearly. Goodbye is never easy. We never have enough time with our parents. Peace be with you.
Kimberley Strauss McGill
My deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Donna and Ron Knopf
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family
Diane Skoleski
To the Trapp Families sorry for the loss of your Dad! We met your parents years ago dancing and ended up we both had the same motorhomes so we would meet at Fiddle Festivals and park by each other always fun times! Yes your Dad always talked highly of his family you guys were all loved. Love Diane Skoleski and Mike Felewich only time will help your healing and memories are forever.
Michelle Mroz and family
A wonderful human being! Glad to have known him but briefly many years ago. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
Linda Przednowek
Very sorry and sad to hear this. Over the years I have thought of Ken and Joan as I was just a teenager and in my first job as I worked for them at the Gateway. I have many fond memories of that time including Doug and Sheba and Nancy when she was born. Ken and Joan were both so nice to me and later my Mom as she worked at the Gateway. A beautiful couple and happy to hear Ken had a wonderful and fulfilling life. Thinking of you at this sad time and knowing God will help you all through this difficult time.
Norma Hladki
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. We will always remember stopping at the Gateway for a roast beef dinner on Saturday evening on our way home from a Winnipeg shopping trip. Delicious food, and Ken always found time to stop, say hello and have a short chat. He was an excellent businessman. Sincere condolences, Donnie & Norma Hladki
Gerald C Hawranik
Sincere condolences to the Trapp family. He was always full of life. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. May God Bless and comfort everyone who knew him. Rest in Peace with Joan, the love of your life.
Harlon and Barb
Dear Trapp Family
What a beautiful tribute to your dad and grandpa. It was only a few years ago when our families were celebrating mine and Kens birthdays at the chinese restaurant that we realized we shared a birthdate!
Ken was always very friendly and had time to chat whenever we met. You have beautiful memories of both your parents to keep close to your heart. Hugs to all.
Harlon and Barb Kintop
Marlene Cyncora
Deepest condolences to the Trapp family. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
lori stelmaschuk (beger)
Deepest Sympathies to the Trapp families . May he rest in Peace and have a dance with Joan
Darlene Junghans
Sincere condolences to your entire family!Though you will all miss him dearly he’s now where he truely belongs! I so appreciated his teaching when I worked for him and your mom and did hear the phrase many times to his employees at the Gateway” Never walk empty handed .” He was a gentle giant who had a heart of gold. I will remember him and your mom always!
Love and prayers , Darlene Junghans
Wendy Lidster
Sue, Colin and girls and all of the Trap family. So sorry for your loss. Your dad and grandpa was a real gentleman. I remember watching your mom and dad gliding across the dance floor. What a beautiful sight. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Robert and Wendy Lidster
Jack Kowalchuk
Ken was a gentleman and a very caring and kind person. During our high school days the Gateway like “Happy Days” was the restaurant to go to and throw a few nickels into the jukebox and drown ourselves with the music of the 60’s and munch on a large platter of fries. One day when passing through Ashern, I noticed him on a dozer working on a town water project. We shared a few pleasant moments. He always had a positive beat and wasn’t afraid of a work challenge. Rest in peace Kenny. Condolences to the Trapp Family.
Arnold & Doreen Otto
Our heart felt condolences to Ken’s family. Ken was my mothers cousin and I can remember the times we stopped at the Gateway in Beausejour for a bite. Your Dad and Mom hosted a number of Trapp family reunions which were greatly appreciated. May all the good memories be of comfort to you all at this sad time.
Stacy Bouchard
It has been a long time but remember Mr. Trapp at Sue’s ball games. Sending Sue & family my condolences.
Leo and Gail Scheer
Dear Sue, Colin, girls, and members of the Trapp Family.
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The story of Ken was beautifully written, saying much about his character and life. You will have many happy memories of time spent together and know that he is no longer in pain. He is not gone, but lives on in you.
Leo and Gail Scheer
Wielgosh
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
-Wielgosh Family
Liz Chorney
Condolences to the family. During high school , Ken and Joan were my first employers at the Gateway Resturant, many good memories.
Joël Chevrefils
Our condolences to the family for your great loss.
Ken worked for my Uncle, Paul Bourgeois and my Dad, Alain Chevrefils for many years at P & A Contracting. When my Dad was a young man, he was Ken’s bulldozer helper while working in the Abitibi logging camps. Dad said he spent many hours following behind the bulldozer learning a lot from Ken along the way.
I have many fond memories of Ken – especially while building logging roads in the summer months when I was teenager. We stayed in camp with Eddie Smolarski, Bob Sandul and my Dad. It was a cast of good hearted characters and there was never a dull moment, especially during meals – there were lots of stories and jokes to be told. Ken also taught me a few tricks in the kitchen and got me interested in diesel Volkswagens. His work ethic and good nature still inspires me to this day.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Joël Chevrefils on behalf of Yvonne Chevrefils and family.
Judy Bergson
So sorry for your loss. Always remember him as such a kind man. Saw him watching the grandkids at ringette. He is a man that I will always remember and can picture him dancing with your mom.
Don & Judy Kamaraus
Our sincere condolences to Kenny’s family! A wonderful, kind hearted, friendly gentleman, who will be missed dearly by so many. Don thoroughly enjoyed helping him with his Ford lawn tractor fixes, enjoyed his friendship, and the odd shnort for solving a tractor problem! Treasure all the wonderful memories! Take care!
Marlene Chura
My Very Deepest Sympathy to the family. I was lucky to talk to Ken a couple of years ago about old memories when my Mom worked at Gateway around 1963/64 I will always remember his (and Joan’s) kindness.