Larry Frederick Trudell

Our father died just as the days were getting longer and just as the creeks and lakes were thawing, and no doubt just as the trout were about to bite: Larry F. Trudell (July 29,1935 – April 28,2021).  He left behind his beloved wife of 61 years, our mother:  Anita Louise (Dake) Trudell, whom he met on a blind date while attending college at University of Wisconsin (Madison).  He left behind four children and their spouses:  Mark (Cynda), Cathy (Mike), Sherri (Gil), David (Janine).  He left behind eleven grandchildren: Matthew, Douglas, Joshua, Devon, Adriana, Hayley, Amanda, Brian, Caleb, Justin and Alex. He left behind five great grandchildren: Eli, Carter, Brian, Lilly, and Elizabeth.

Our father left behind the glorious sight of the rugged snow-capped mountains, the delicious smell of pine trees, the perfect camping spot by the creek, the so many good friends, and the even better conversations. He left behind country music and 50’s rock, both of which seemed to provoke a quick dance with our mother.  And dance they did. They danced in the kitchen when we were all making dinner; they danced after dinner while dishes were be cleaned, they danced when they camped, they danced whenever there was music. Watching our parents dance seemed to make everyone who watched, especially happy.

Our father grew up in the rural northern town of Florence in Wisconsin. He grew up with his now deceased brother Darryl, to parents he cherished: Fred Trudell and Betty Westman.  Our grandparents instilled in him a very strong work ethic, a sense of self-reliance, an appreciation for nature and a sense of integrity. They instilled in him most importantly, a very kind and generous heart.

His positive attitude, kind words for others and a giving loving spirit had everyone who met him instantly liking him.  These traits severed him well as he worked his way through electrical engineering school, laboring in a sewer gang and later fixing televisions.  They also served him well as he advanced his studies while employed with General Electric and later Honeywell and then served at the helm of several marketing companies.

His work encouraged several moves across the country from Wisconsin to Indiana to California and finally to Colorado.  He and our Mom happily settled in Colorado where they merged work and raising a family with the wholesome outdoor lifestyle Colorado provided.  Above all else, our father was a family man. Even as his children left the house and started their own families, he and our Mom were integrally involved in everything grandchildren. They even took many of the grandchildren on week long camping trips in their 5th wheel to South Dakota and Yellowstone.

Unfortunately, so many of the activities our father loved came to an end when his diagnosis of leukemia advanced. He entered into a clinical trial at St Luke’s Presbyterian Cancer Treatment Center where he immediately befriended nurses and doctors and kept them entertained and laughing.  Eventually his body weakened, but his mind remained sharp. In a successful effort to place others, and perhaps himself, at ease he joked, reminisced and told stories.  And as happens in any good fishing tale, the fish became larger with each retelling, He died peacefully and with dignity while at home surrounded by his children and wife.

Our father left much behind. Yet, he also left so much within, so much within each of us: so many fond memories, so much appreciation, and so much gratitude. He left so many examples to follow and he left such big footsteps to fill.

He left all this at such a transitional time of year: Spring. … The time of year when perhaps it is befitting to start and end with the season of a life.  The time of year where symbolically we can draw a connective bridge between the seemingly simple events of our daily lives and the greater universal ones. The time of year when new journeys are embarked upon….. Even if reluctantly.

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