Jerry Trapp Obituary (1932 - 2008)

“Ol’ Jer” Whether he was Ol’ Jer, Daddy, Pop, Bapa, Grandpa, or Jerry, all who knew and loved him were affected by his strength, intelligence, and vitality for life. Born May 7, 1932 in St. Paul, MN to Ben and Lauretta Trapp. Jerry died peacefully March 14, 2008 of natural causes in Murray, UT. He married Bente on January 29, 1954 in St. Paul, MN. They lived in many states: Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New York. They raised 3 children, 2 boys and a girl. Jerry had a lifelong career in journalism where he traveled to all 50 states. He started as a reporter and editor at the Mankato (MN) Free Press. He then became an editor and writer for the Associated Press, Salt Lake City, UT bureau. He spent the next several years moving across the US from Colorado to Pennsylvania as a broadcast salesman, eventually becoming broadcast executive in charge of sales for radio and TV stations east of the Mississippi River. In 1968 Jerry became the General Broadcast News Editor for the Associated Press in New York City, where he spent 25 years. In 1979 he became Deputy Director, Administration, Broadcast Department of the AP. In 1980 he became Vice President/General Manager of Intermountain Network in Salt Lake City, UT. Jerry was a multifaceted individual with a variety of interests. He spent many years singing with the Oratorio Society of Utah and has sung with several church choirs. He and Bente enjoyed attending the Utah symphony and Pioneer Theatre productions. He loved all sports and keeping abreast of current affairs. Jerry was an avid reader and always had several books on hand. He and Bente loved to travel especially to Denmark and Ireland. Jerry had a great love for food whether from the fabulous kitchen and talent of Bente to open face sandwiches in Tivoli Gardens in Denmark. Jerry was a terrific writer. He had a great capacity for befriending all that met him. He enjoyed volunteering at Guadelupe School where he tutored children in reading. Jerry’s greatest passion was golf. He played every weekend and once during the week. After retirement he enjoyed being a golf marshal at Nibley Golf Course where he got his first hole in one on the 9th hole! He liked to play fast and get his hot dog and beer. Thanks to all of his great golf partners. Jerry is survived by his wife and best friend of 54 years, Bente; three children; Eric (Jacqueline)Trapp, Lise (Frank) Herriott, and Alex (Suzanne) Trapp; grandchildren, Christina, Carl, Michael, Kevin, Ryan, Matthew, and Lauren; great granddaughter Layla; sister Laurice (Virgil) Ronholdt, many special friends and his dog Max. Many thanks to the Murray Police Department for their care and concern. Special thanks to Margaret Hecht, MD for her years of care, compassion and friendship. Charitable donations can be made to the Guadelupe School, 340 S. Goshen St. SLC UT 84104, or a charity of your choice. A Memorial service will be held Saturday March 22, 2008 at 2pm at the Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, 1580 East Vine Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.