Friday, July 17, 2015

Robert 'Bob' Patrick Traphagan, Jr.

Oct. 4, 1934 - July 14, 2015

AURORA, Colo. -- Robert "Bob" Patrick Traphagan Jr. passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at the Colorado State Veterans Home in Aurora, Colorado. He was 80 years old.

Bob was born on Oct. 4, 1934, to parents, Robert Patrick and Mary (Braun) Traphagan, Sr. at St. Ann, Nebraska. He was one of 13 children.

Bob entered the U.S. Army in 1953 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

On June 15, 1957, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Pauline Kotschwar in McCook. To this union four children were born. They moved to California. They settled in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, in 1963 to raise their children. Bob was a self-employed contractor building many homes throughout his years, then purchased and operated a convenience store/motel prior to his retirement. Bob enjoyed horse training, hunting, fishing, gardening and assembling model airplanes. He also enjoyed working in his garden and horse training.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Mary Traphagan Sr.; son, Michael "Mike" Traphagan; and 11 brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his son, Pat Traphagan of Yuma, Colorado; daughters, Mary Traphagan of Denver, Colorado, and Tracy Traphagan-DeDore of Los Gatos, California; sister, Delores Gettman of McCook; four grandchildren, Kevin, Jessica, Austin and Tara Traphagan; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and a host of friends.