Donald Paul Traut

Donald Paul Traut passed away peacefully on Friday, December 10 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by love from his wife who never left his side along with his family as he waged his courageous battle. He is preceded in death by his parents, William A and Louise Traut and his brother Earl W. Traut. He leaves behind his wife Victoria Traut of Windermere, Fl, his father-in-law and mother-in- law, Woodrow and Claire Brackenrich Stuart, Florida, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Jeannette Brackenrich of Pt. St. Lucie, FL, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Terry and Patrice Journiac of Ittenheim, France, nieces: Lora and Noelle Traut of Minneola, FL, Etta Menke of Batesville, Indiana, Tanza Smith of College Park, Texas; Rikki Lee ColdIron (husband Chris) of Port St. Lucie, FL; nephews: Scott Traut of Wildwood, FL, Sean and Michael Menke of Cincinatti, Ohio, Bret Smith of College Park, Texas. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he spent all of his childhood until he enlisted in the Navy a few years after high school. He spent four years on the aircraft carrier, the Monterey. After his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Miami where he received a degree in commercial art. His first job after graduation was a substitute teaching job for an art teacher going on maternity leave. He realized he had a passion for teaching and went back to school to acquire the education classes he needed to get a teaching certificate. He loved teaching art and his students loved him. He gave them an outlet for creative expression and many of them continued to pursue art after they left his class. He especially loved to teach cartooning. He taught students to draw even when they thought they could never draw. He continued to teach middle and elementary school art for 34 years before retiring in 1994. He loved sports especially baseball and could quote statistics and trivia only a few individuals could replicate. His favorite team was the Milwaukee Brewers and he followed them faithfully. He also loved football. The television was reserved on Saturdays and Sundays and some Monday nights to watch his favorite teams-Miami Hurricanes, Green Bay Packers, and Miami Dolphins. He acquired a new interest in 2001, camping. He and Victoria bought a travel trailer where they had many happy times exploring new territories or camping in their favorite campground, Thousand Trails Orlando Preserve. He and Victoria both enjoyed going to the theme parks including Disney, Universal. or SeaWorld,and they especially enjoyed all of the musical events available at the parks throughout the year. This was one of the reasons they moved from Ft. Lauderdale to the Orlando area. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His determination and courage during his brief illness was admired by all. He never complained or gave up as he always kept a positive attitude about the situation which suddenly changed his life without warning. He is now at peace despite the reluctance to release him by all who loved him. A memorial and celebration service will be held on Sunday, December 19 at 2PM at Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs at 605 Montgomery Road. Friends and family are invited to gather after the service at 13450 Southern Way, Windermere to continue the celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that a donation in his name be made to Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs. Call 407-682-0808 or visit www.HospiceoftheComforter.org for information on how to make the donation. Arrangements entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL. 32751. phone 407-695-CARE (2273). Please visit us at Degusipefuneralhome.com to leave a condolence.

Donald Paul Traut

September 1, 1932 - December 10, 2010