Charles Trautwein Obituary

Charles Trautwein

Charles John Trautwein, "Charlie", 82, of Arcadia, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Friday, April 3, 2026, at Blanchard Valley Hospital. He was born October 10, 1943, to Ruy and Cora Trautwein in Arlington, Ohio. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Diana (Crawford) Trautwein; his children, Stacy Montgomery (Todd Roth), Matthew Trautwein (Tamra), and Jennifer Lawless (Randall); his stepdaughter, Laura Evans (Pete Lipovsek); grandchildren, Samantha Desgranges (Logan), Jarrett Montgomery (Sierra Lane), Logan and Morgan Trautwein, and Maddison Lawless; stepgrandchildren, Ian and Olivia Evans; and great-grandchildren, Walker and Ada Desgranges. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty George, Shirley Simonson, and Ruby Cole.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruy and Cora Trautwein, as well as his sisters, Bonnie Grohoske and Rose Bibler.

Charlie lived a life shaped by hard work, loyalty, and a deep love for his family and the people around him. Charlie served in the U.S. Army for three years. He was stationed in Germany, where he worked as a mechanic, an experience that highlighted his natural talent for fixing anything with an engine and set the stage for a lifetime of hands-on skill and determination. Charlie spent many years farming nearly 1,000 acres stretched across a 30-mile span. Whether he was working the fields or tending to equipment, he poured his heart into everything he did. For 14 years, he also drove for Quality Farm and Fleet, earning a spotless driving record that reflected his reliability and hard work ethic. In his free time, Charlie loved working on mechanics and restoring antique tractors, projects that blended his appreciation for the past with his remarkable technical know-how. He enjoyed truck pulls, gardening, and sharing the things he grew and built with the people he cared about. His pulling truck, "The Green Weenie," became a bit of a legend, something that still brings a smile to anyone who remembers watching it run. Charlie was known for being straightforward and honest. He never candy-coated anything and always spoke his mind, but he was also the first to show up when someone needed a hand. That mix of blunt truth and genuine willingness to help made him someone people trusted. Charlie's values,integrity, perseverance, and kindness were evident in the way he lived. Charlie leaves behind a legacy of devotion to his family, to his work, and to the land he cared for so faithfully. His memory will be carried forward by all who loved him.

In keeping with his selfless nature and desire to help others, Charlie donated his body to science through the University of Toledo Medical Center, Department of Neurosciences, as his final gift to support education and advancement in medicine.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Coldren Crates, 620 N. Main St, Arlington, as we gather to remember, honor, and celebrate a life so dearly loved with Pastor Gregg Fox officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Wounded Warrior Project in Charlie's name.