March 12, 2019

MADISON — Jesus called Pastor Tom Trapp home on March 12, 2019 at the UW Hospital, Madison, Wis. Born to Cornelius and Mildred Trapp in New Ulm, Minn.; baptized Nov. 6, 1949 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran.

Thomas grew in faith and knowledge of his Savior at: Martin Luther Academy, New Ulm, (1967); Northwestern College, Watertown, Wis. (1971); St. Stephen’s, Beaver Dam, Wis., as a vicar (1973-1974); Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis. (1975).

He was ordained on July 13, 1975 and served three congregations simultaneously: St. Paul’s, Tipler, Wis., St. Mark’s, Iron River, Mich., and The University Chapel, a campus ministry, now called Peace, Houghton, Mich.

Tom married Carol Huffman on June 18, 1977. They moved to Madison, Wis., where on October 7, 1979 he was installed at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, a congregation providing campus ministry to Americans and internationals. Its mission is: “To know Jesus Christ and make Him known on campus.”

His joys: conducting worship on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights; making Jesus known through Bible studies/classes; partaking in retreats; and playing guitar, including for International Vacation Bible School. The ministry grew, inspiring a larger facility – Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel and Student Center (2006). After 42 years in the pastoral ministry, Tom retired in June 2017.

He is remembered for his passion for sharing Jesus, his love of family, friends, music, history, and baseball, going to Braves/Brewer and Badger games, playing guitar, studying at restaurants, and his recognizable laughter. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Madison.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his wife Carol; sons Paul (Julaine), Peter (Kalinda), and Phil; five grandchildren; brother John (Kay), sister Joan (Terry) Vasold; nieces and nephews, relatives, god-children, pari-shioners, and friends.

Visitation is on Friday, March 29th, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and on Saturday, March 30th, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., prior to the 11 a.m. Christian Funeral, lunch following. All events are at Eastside Lutheran Church, 2310 Independence Ln., Madison, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel in Madison, Wis. Online giving is available at: wlchapel.org/give/

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]