Robert "Bob" Lyle Trapp

     Robert “Bob” Lyle Trapp, 80, of Aberdeen and formerly of Hecla, SD, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020, at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen. 

     Due to the COVID-19 virus, a private family memorial service will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with Pastor Sara Sorensen officiating.

     Private family interment will take place prior to the service at the Hecla City Cemetery. 

     Family and friends may sign Bob’s online guest book and view his service via our live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com.

     Robert “Bob” Lyle Trapp was born February 26, 1940, to Lyle and LaVerna (Krueger) Trapp in Watertown, SD. His early childhood was spent in Watertown and Sisseton, SD.  In 1944, he moved with his family to Corona, SD, where his father owned and operated a grocery store.  Bob attended Corona High School and excelled in sports, helping his team reach the State B Basketball Championship game in both 1957 and 1958.  After graduating from Corona High School in 1958, he attended Huron College on a basketball scholarship.

     On March 10, 1961, he married Karen Molid from Huron, SD.  They moved to Aberdeen, where Bob continued his education at Northern State College and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in August of 1962.  That same year, he accepted a teaching and coaching position in Hecla and later was honored by the Hecla Jaycees Club as Outstanding Young Educator.  In 1965, Bob became the Hecla High School principal.  He also served as the superintendent for the 1965-66 school year.  It was during this time that he became the head coach of the boys’ basketball team, leading them to the State B Tournament.  In 1971, he received his Master’s Degree of Science in Education.  Bob served as the principal until his retirement in 1995.

     During his career, Bob was instrumental in promoting vocational education at Southeast Vocational Center in Oakes, ND and North Central Area Interconnect.  He was on the advisory boards of Oakes Community Hospital (Oakes, ND) and First Savings Bank of Hecla.  He served as a Lake Region Conference Officer and Chairman of the Regional Cross-Country Association.  In addition, he was a member of the PTA, District Basketball Committee, SD Secondary School Principals, SD School Administrators, Jaycees, and Hecla Lions Club.

     During his years at HHS, Mr. Trapp inspired and guided hundreds of students and staff with his common sense approach to life and education.  His “BE GOOD” philosophy set the tone and everyone complied or heard “the whistle” to get them back in line.  Mr. Trapp lived his life teaching:  at school, at home and at activities.  He was always a quiet counsel but a fierce advocate for students.  His legacy lives on in the many lives he’s influenced.  Mr. Trapp reminds us all to “BE GOOD AND TAKE CARE”.  

     Bob was a loving husband and father.  He is survived by his wife, Karen Trapp of Aberdeen; and daughter, Kristin (Mark) Cutler of Frederick, SD. 

     He is preceded in death by his son, Todd, his parents, and his brother, Curtis.  

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to:  Alzheimer’s Association – South Dakota Chapter, 4304 South Technology Drive, Sioux Falls, SD  57106.

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