On Saturday, November 23, 2019, Harold Joseph Trumpy, 99, of rural Winslow, Illinois, passed peacefully at his home, into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Harold is now in Heaven with his wife Marian, who had passed away on November 5, 2019. Harold was born in Clarno, Wisconsin on November 23, 1920 to Russell and Mabel (Bowen) Trumpy. He was a direct descendent of the late Joseph Trumpy and his son Henry Trumpy, who were among the Swiss contingency of settlers who founded the village of New Glarus in 1845. Within months of Harold’s birth, his parents moved their family to Monroe, Wisconsin where he lived and attended school. Harold graduated from Monroe High School as the salutatorian of his class in 1938. During high school, he and classmate, Marian Zweifel, became sweethearts. On December 21, 1941, they were united in marriage at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Monroe.

Harold had continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Madison in the area of pre-medicine. As a result of an illness in the family, Harold left the University to help on a dairy farm in Clarno owned by his father. Marian and Harold lived there for 2years. Harold found that dairy farming suited him and as a result, Harold and Marian bought and moved to a farm outside of Winslow, Illinois, where they ran a dairy operation. They put down roots there and they raised four children. In 1968, Harold bought a dairy farm in South Wayne, Wisconsin. In 1975, he and Marian moved back to their Winslow farm, where they lived for the remainder of their lives.

Harold was very active in and held leadership positions in multiple church, civic, and community organizations. He was a long-time member of the Martintown Community Church where he served on the church board. He also was a member and Vice-President for the Lena Lions Club. He organized and served as the First Scout Master of the Winslow Boy Scouts, Troop #29. He served in 3 different capacities for the Winslow Township, as a Supervisor, Clerk, and later as a Trustee. One of his lasting accomplishments, was while on the Lena-Winslow Board of Education the two school districts consolidated. As a board member, Harold actively supported the capital referendums that led to the remodeling of the Winslow Grade School and the building of the present Lena-Winslow High School in Lena, Illinois. Harold was one of the founders of the Honey Creek Watershed that included Green and Stephenson Counties and served as its first President. The Honey Creek Watershed organization led the passage of clean water acts and a greater commitment on the part of farmers and townships, including the city of Monroe, towards preserving the integrity of the watersheds and water of Honey Creek.

Harold was always one to be a pioneer in soil conservation farming. While farming in Lafayette County, he received an “Outstanding Soil Conservation Farming” award for the initiatives he took with strip farming, water management, and preservation of woodlands. Harold was known for his strong work ethic and was considered an honest and fair businessman. Always interested in agricultural real estate, he continued his education in agricultural real estate in later years. Harold loved the land he worked. He shared that it was while working in his fields, he would find it a special time to pray. He was very kind to all animals, both domestic and farm, and held a special affection for cats, dogs, and songbirds. He and Marian took in numerous stray cats and dogs over the years. He taught his children and grandchildren to hold a deep respect for all of God’s creation.

Harold was very interested in genealogy and created and/or maintained records for both sides of his and Marian’s families. He traveled to Switzerland, Great Britain, and Wales to learn more about their respective family histories. He was an avid reader of history; biography’s, in particular, and kept current on national and international affairs. He owned several antique cars and had family buggies and surreys restored. In 2016, he and Marian were honored by the Community Bank of Winslow and rode in his Studebaker Buggy in the Lena Fall Festival Parade, celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. It was important to Harold to preserve our heritage. He enjoyed playing Bridge and 500 with his friends and family. Harold was a great conversationalist, with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to laugh.

Harold and Marian became members at St. John’s Church of Christ, Monroe, WI in 1989 and in later years they attended Staver United Methodist Church. Harold deeply loved and was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He delighted in their accomplishments and looked out for each-and-every one through his words of wisdom, hard work, and generosity. Harold acted upon his deep faith in the Lord, through his generosity and kind heart. He always held a tender spot for those in need, whether a neighbor or even strangers. He was quick to help when trouble came or to forgive a debt if he thought it could make a difference in the life of the recipient. Harold was a treasure trove of wisdom and was deeply respected and loved by his family and those who knew him well. Harold was truly the “Salt of the Earth” and one of the last of his great generation who made such an impact in the world. He will be sorely missed by his family, but all live with the peace in knowing that Harold and Marian are in the glorious presence of the Lord, and they are together now and forever.

Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 78 years, Marian; his parents, Russell and Mabel Trumpy; daughter, Marcia Bidlingmaier Saalsaa; grandsons Michael Trumpy and Neil Bidlingmaier; and sons-in law, Larry Bidlingmaier and Michael Kodrich.

He is survived by his son, Jeff (Jean) Trumpy, Waukesha; son, John (Lori) Trumpy, Winslow; daughter, Penny (Jim Stein) Kodrich, Minnetrista, MN; grandchildren, Layne (Erin) Bidlingmaier, Winslow; Tami Bidlingmaier, Winslow; Tana (Jason) Stieve, Lombard, Il; Kristie (Jeff) Reynolds, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Tim (Michelle) Trumpy, Minneapolis, MN; Kathy (Ryan) Caho, Kenosha, WI; Leslie Trumpy, Browntown, WI; Noah Trumpy, Winslow; plus 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday November 25, 2019 at Martintown Community Church, Martintown, WI. Burial took place in Greenwood Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at shriner111.com.