Erika Christel Trautwein

FARMINGTON- Erika Christel Trautwein, 91, formerly of Valles Mines, was received peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 while surrounded by her family. She was born December 23, 1920, at Schneidemuhl, Germany, daughter of the late Oskar and Louise (Schwartz) Kroeling. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters Bertha and Erna and a brother Kurt. Erika was a devout Christian and was united at an early age to the Evangelische Stadtkirche (City Church) of Schneidemuhl, Germany where later on February 22, 1941, she was wed to Helmut Rudolph "Rolf" Trautwein who survives. They were blessed with a son Hartmut E."Art" Trautwein, who also survives. In May of 1953 Erika and Rolf, along with their son, immigrated to the United States and became U.S. Citizens. They made their home in St. Louis, where she was employed first as a housekeeper at St. Mary's Hospital, and then later as a bookkeeper with Warner Loudspeaker Co. from where she later retired. After they both retired, they moved from St. Louis and built a home near Valles Mines where they remained until recently, moving to their granddaughter's home in Farmington due to declining health. Erika, or "Oma'' as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, was a beautiful and elegant spirit, always full of laughter, and quick to smile. Her greatest joys in life were her unshakeable faith, her beloved husband and son, and the sound of children, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her great-great-granddaughter. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her, including her husband of 71 years, Helmut "Rolf" Trautwein of Farmington, son, Hartmut E. "Art" Trautwein and wife Shirley of Potosi, three grandchildren, Erich A."Rick" Trautwein and wife Jessica of Valles Mines, Mark E. Trautwein and wife Sherril of Valles Mines, and Angela C. Weiss and husband Patrick of Farmington; eight great-grandchildren, Crystal Tedder and husband Travis, Erich Trautwein, Tanner Trautwein, Erika Weiss, Sarah Trautwein, Emma Weiss, Abbey Weiss, Levi Trautwein, three step great grandchildren: John Weiss, Desiree Smith, Kimberly Smith, and great -great granddaughter Averi Trautwein and a second great-great grandchild due in December. Many other relatives' friends and neighbors, both here and in Germany also survive. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory on Thursday, May 10, 2012 with a funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rocky Good officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Bismarck. Memorials if desired may be made to New Heights Church Benevolent Fund. View Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, May 10, 2012 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, May 10, 2012 01:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions