Harriette Riemer Trumpy passed away August 13, 2010, at the Monroe Clinic Hospital after a brief illness. Harriette Riemer, age 91, was born in Jordan Prairie, Brodhead, Wisconsin on June 9, 1919 to Arthur and Lavina (Baird) Riemer. Harriette was the youngest of 8 surviving children. She attended Jordan Prairie Rural School and graduated from Brodhead High School in 1937. Harriette earned a diploma from Green County Teachers College, Monroe, in 1939. She taught at both West Clarno and Pebbles Rural Schools before marrying Robert Bowen Trumpy in 1941. The couple moved to Amory, WI where Bob was employed by Stella Cheese. During WWII, they lived in Kenosha where daughters Bobette and Becky were born.
Harriette and Bob then moved back home to Monroe where he owned a Borden's milk delivery service. Daughter Debbie, and son, Bob, were born, completing their family. Bob and Harriette celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in June.
As a young girl in Jordan Prairie, Harriette was actively involved in 4-H. She became an accomplished equestrian. Harriette played saxophone in the Brodhead High School band, participated in basketball and was prom queen in 1936. Following, she was selected as the first Green County Cheese Queen (now Dairy Queen) and then was a candidate for Miss America in Milwaukee. As time progressed and her family grew, Harriette became very active in the old Methodist Church. For seven years, Harriette was Superintendent of Sunday School, taught Sunday school classes and sang in the church choir. She devoted her time to mission projects, circles and the United Methodist Women. Harriette led girl scout troops and participated with daughter Becky in the International Girl Scout Roundup in Vermont, summer of 1963. Harriette became a librarian at the junior high school in Monroe, in the IMC Department. In 1969, Harriette moved on to Monroe High School, where she worked as Attendance Secretary, retiring in 1982.
Harriette participated actively in the Monroe community, as a long-time member of the Green County Historical Society, The Monroe Arts Center, "The Swiss Attic Fanciers Questers," The Order of Eastern Star and was a fifty year member of the Monroe Women's Club. Harriette loved antiques, auctions, roses, reading, dancing, camping at Devil's Lake, sewing, traveling by train and the Riemer Christmases.
In life, Harriette exemplified unconditional loving acceptance. She was patient, supportive and applied her Christian beliefs to her actions in life. She possessed a witty, fun sense of humor and always with a sparkle in her eyes. Harriette instilled in her children, the importance of a strong will, pursuing a higher purpose and she encouraged independent thinking. Harriette accepted change with serenity and heart. Her best friends were her siblings. She cherished her four children and their families. Over the years, Harriette spent many hours mentoring her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harriette will be sadly missed and remembered as an angel to many.
She is survived by her husband, Robert B Trumpy, daughters Bobette R. Traul, Monroe, Debra E. Trumpy (John Wilson), Port Aransas, TX, Robert J (Jaqualyn Johnson) Trumpy, Cle Elum, WA State, sister Bethie Riemer Riese, Brodhead, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Harriette was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Rebecca J. Crosswait, Rapid City, SD, three brothers, Willis, Arthur and Vernon, and four sisters, Ferrol Malkow, Lotus Riemer, Patricia Riemer (in nfancy) and Bess Zimmerly.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. A celebration of Harriette's life is planned for 11 am, Friday, August 20th at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Monroe United Methodist Church or the Green County Historical Society.
Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.
On-line condolences may be made to: shriner111.com