Paul J. Trampke

Paul J. Trampke, 72, of Bloomfield, died Friday morning, June 30th at IU Health Bloomington Hospital, after a short illness. He was surrounded by family. Paul was born September 14, 1944, the son of Joseph and Hilda Trampke. Paul spent his life on the family farm near Owensburg, which was purchased in the 1950's after his parents left the Chicago area. Paul graduated in 1962 in the first class of Eastern High School. He joined the Navy directly out of high school, completing his boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station and served as a radar man aboard the USS. Notable. Upon returning from the Navy, Paul used his GI bill to attend Indiana University, graduating from the IU Kelly School of Business with a degree in Labor Relations and Human Resources. He later returned to school for graduate courses in Public Finance. He began his career at Otis Elevator as a press operator and Chief Union Steward. Paul spent his lifetime career in the Employment arena, first as an employment counselor with the Work One offices, and as an on-the-job training developer working with employers to hire and train workers. For a time he served as the Assistant Director of the Shawnee Trace Workforce area. Paul retired from Vincennes University in 2006, after twenty plus years, as a Workforce Development Specialist providing education and training services to the unemployed, underemployed and dislocated workers. Paul served as Jackson Township Trustee for sixteen years, and one term as President of the State Trustee Association, a 4,000 member organization. He retired from the trustee position in 2010 when he decided not to run again. Paul served previously on the Board of Directors of the Greene County Humane Society, Eastern School Board member, PACE, Clifty Memorial Association and currently was working with the Greene County Election Board. An avid reader, Paul's interests ranged from books on the Civil War, to biographies, and military history. Paul had a strong sense of family and community. He enjoyed political discussions, farming, playing cards, canoeing, camping and traveling to most of the 50 states, and overseas, to Italy, Ireland, France, and a longboat canal excursion in England. He was steadfast, honest, and hard working, a true family man with a wry sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cam, two daughters Hilda (Steve Breedlove) Trampke, Julia (Zac) Crane, and four grandchildren, Zoe Trampke Lee, Cooper Crane, Ryder Crane and Mallorie Crane. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Hilda Trampke, and siblings, sisters; Patricia Lorek, Diana Asher, Margaret Abel and one brother, Martin Trampke. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Jenkins Funeral Home in Bloomfield, with Pastor Kent Huber officiating. Interment will follow in Dishman Cemetery in rural Owensburg. Public visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday July 5, 2017 at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Trampke Family Fund, at the Greene County Foundation, 4513 W. St. Rd 54, Bloomfield, Indiana 47424. The fund provides grants to local not for profits, to meet immediate community needs. Online condolences to the family are available at www.jenkinsfuneralhomes.com.

Paul J. Trampke

September 14, 1944 - June 30, 2017