John Jordan Trautmann passed away in his sleep January 8, 2010 in San Francisco, California.  He is survived by his wife, Jane McCleave Trautmann; three children (Nancy, Tom, and Jeannie); and brothers Phil and Hugh (SPHS '52) Trautmann.  John was also the proud grandfather of six.

John was born March 24, 1934 in Santa Monica, California and grew up in Southern California.  John served in the military in Italy in the 1950s as a medic.  He moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1961 when he married his wife, Jane.  John lived most of his adult life in Palo Alto, where he is known for coaching youth soccer and being a member of the Great War Society.  John's mechanical abilities were far reaching.  He operated a machine shop where he designed and built brass and glass coffee bins.  He also rebuilt antique automobiles with his brother-in-law and a flying automobile which was named "Fantasy of Flight" with his father and brother Hugh.  This flying automobile is now in the Talman-Manz museum in Florida.

John kept his dignity and humor even as he dealt with Alzheimer's disease these past six years.  He will be remembered as an intelligent conversationalist who was curious by nature.

San Jose Mercury News, January 23, 2010