Obituaries

To view the livestream of George's funeral, please click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewLKLGqcCUs91_A4LLGfKA

George F. Trotter Jr., age 82, died surrounded by family at his home in Windsor, WI at 3:33 am on December 2, 2024. Previously healthy and active, he had entered hospice after experiencing a progressive decline in health from various conditions over six months.

George was born on December 16, 1941, in Blue Island, IL (near Chicago) to George F. Trotter Sr. and Thelma (Simonson) Trotter. The family later moved to Wheaton IL where he attended high school. He enrolled at LSU following graduation to earn a degree in Forestry. After college, he joined the US Forest Service, working in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. He continued to work in Forestry after moving the family to Rhinelander, WI. He always loved the outdoors, but it was difficult to support a family with the job he loved. His father, a salesperson, convinced George to join him as a traveling wholesale jeweler. He had a successful career in sales over more than 20 years, making many friends and lasting connections throughout the Midwest, and later Southeast.

He continued to enjoy outdoor pursuits including hunting, fishing, landscaping, and gardening during his entire life. He was always comfortable in the woods. He knew the way to go, no matter how lost others felt.

Thirty-one-point-five years ago (they counted half year anniversaries) he married, Jeanne (Engel). They then moved to Hattiesburg, MS to enjoy warmer weather in retirement and remained there for 20 years. George maintained beautiful planting beds in his yard and kept a large garden. They were regularly active in leadership with their local Lutheran church. Ten years ago, he gave up year-round gardening and the couple returned to Wisconsin to be nearer to family. The move north demonstrated his love for family over anything else.

Collectively, George and Jeanne have five children, Daniel (Rachel) Trotter, Tami Ellenbecker, Kelly (Scott) Ellenbecker, Nicole (Jesse) Ziegler and Brandon Veit. They were blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by his brother, Jim (Kathy) Trotter and sister, Lynda Lawrence. He is survived by his two brothers, Tom (Carol dec) and Jeff (Diane) Trotter.

Thoughtful, gregarious, affable, and kind are all words that described George. He cared about people. He rarely talked about himself. He asked questions to learn more about others. He put his family first. At the end, he was at peace, knowing that he had a full and rich life with a loving, connected family. In his own last words “that’s what you work for, that’s what you strive for.”

Jeanne and the family want to thank all of you for your support and kindness through this difficult journey together. We give special thanks to the caregivers working with Agrace Hospice and to his family physician who he always loved, Dr. Mon Lun Yee.

George and Jeanne have asked that you offer a random act of kindness to another person in lieu of flowers or donations.

A visitation will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, WI, on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250