Stu was born March 3, 1926 in Newport, WA to Peter and Lillian Findley Trautman. He passed away on March 28, 2013 in Richland, WA.

Raised in Oregon, Stu graduated from Crook County High School in Prineville, in 1944. After serving in the Army Air Corps, he worked at a lumber mill in the Redmond area. It was there he met Aina Claire Crowder. She worked in the payroll department and he often teased that she wouldn't give him his paycheck until he asked her on a date. They were married on April 21, 1949. Their only child, Marlene Gail, was born in 1953 when they were living in Warden, WA.

Stu's primary adult vocation was as an ironworker in the Columbia Basin.

His avocations were many. He enjoyed church work, golfing, aviation, and traveling. But his favorite activities centered on motorcycle riding. In their 60's Stu and Aina rode their motorcycle to the Atlantic Ocean and back. Aina later said that was too much fun to have all at one time.

Stu belonged to several organizations, including the Christian Motorcycle Association, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, the American Legion, the Pasco Golf Club and the Ironworkers Union. Of these, the CMA was the most meaningful to him. He collected many awards and patches doing service projects with the CMA. Stu was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Pasco.

Stu's parents, brother Stan, and daughter, Marlene preceded him in death. He is survived by wife, Aina of Pasco; several cousins; and many friends including fellow motorcyclist, Jo Crookston. We will miss his sense of humor and hearty laughter, which was heartiest when the joke was on him.

Burial with military honors will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2013 at City View Cemetery in Pasco. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Pasco, 1105 Road 36 Pasco, WA.

Memorials may be made to "Christian Motorcycle Association Run for the Son, Chapter 312" in care of First Baptist Church of Pasco, 1105 Road 36, Pasco, WA 99301.