Anthony “Tony” J. Trautner, age 73, of Watertown, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at Strand Kjorsvig Living Center in Roslyn. Funeral mass was at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown. Father Shaun Haggerty was the celebrant.
Visitation was at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. with a scripture wake and rosary service starting at 7 p.m.
Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watertown.
Anthony was born on April 15, 1951, in Webster, to Adalbert and Lattie (Stromseth) Trautner. He attended school in both Eden and Roslyn, graduating in 1969. Tony and Sharon (Smith) were united in marriage on Aug. 19, 1972, at St. Henry’s Parish in Henry. Tony was known for his love of family, generous spirit, hard work and wise counsel.
Tony grew up in the Roslyn area, where he developed a passion for mechanics at a young age. He pursued this interest by attending LATC and became a skilled mechanic, a profession that would define much of his life. Tony’s career began at a Chevrolet
dealership in Clark, where his expertise and dedication quickly became evident. He went on to work for Sharp Automotive in Watertown for several years.
The majority of Tony’s career was spent with Dueco/ Terex Utilities in Watertown, where he dedicated over 35 years of service. In 2012, Tony and Sharon moved to Rapid City, where Tony would retire in May of 2022.
Tony’s love for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies, which included fishing, hunting and camping. Playing cards was another of Tony’s favorite pastimes with friends and family, sharing laughter and creating memories.
Beyond his work, Tony was a friendly neighbor known for his readiness to assist anyone in need. He was the kind of neighbor everyone wished they had. His absence will be deeply felt by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Tony is survived by his wife, Sharon, of Watertown; children, Joe (Heidi) Trautner, of Vienna, Jennifer (Chris) Streckfuss, of Watertown, Jessica (John) Delzer, of Castlewood and Jeremy (Meghan) Trautner, of Box Elder; fourteen grandchildren; brothers, Larry (DeAnna) Trautner, of Roslyn, John (Raenell) Trautner, of Webster, David (Helen) Trautner, of Roslyn and Donald (Cheryl) Trautner, of Roslyn; and sister Diane (Roy) Greiner, of Wilmot.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents and brother James Trautner.
Arrangements by Crawford- Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus. com. Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham.