Gerald Trautman

Gerald (Gary) Alvin Trautman, 79, departed this world for his eternal dwelling place with Jesus on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. 

Gary was born Feb. 19, 1947, to Alvin and Beatrice Trautman in Everett, Washington. He grew up in Everett and graduated from Cascade High School in 1965. He went on to attend Central Washington University until the Vietnam War Draft caused him to voluntarily join the United States Army in June of 1967. After completing Officer Candidate School and helicopter pilot training that same year, Gary was selected to fly the renowned Cobra gunship. Gary graduated Cobra training in 1968 and deployed to Vietnam from October 1968 to October of 1969. He returned to Fort Rucker, Alabama and separated from active duty as Chief Warrant Officer 2 in December of 1969. 

After an honorable discharge, he spent some months in Honolulu, Hawaii as a taxi driver. After realizing his life was on the wrong path, he decided to move to Moses Lake, Washington, where his two sisters lived with their husbands, who pastored the Open Bible Church. Gary found work at Randolph’s Home Center in Ephrata, and in 1971 he met and married the woman of his life, Roberta Woodiwiss. By 1985 they had five children who were the center of his life, and gave him great joy. 

In January of 1976, he and his business partner, Howard Randolph, purchased the Alert Facility at the former Larson Air Force Base, which fondly became known as “The Ark.” After some renovations, Gary moved with his wife and two children into The Ark that year, and remained there until 1992 when they sold it. During the years they owned The Ark, they provided a refuge for many individuals and families. 

Around 1980 Gary transitioned into the insurance business with National Farmers Union Insurance Company. In 1989 he moved to Hanks and Fields Insurance in Othello and in 1993 opened the Moses Lake office of what would become Basin Pacific Insurance. By 2026, Basin Pacific Insurance had grown to 15 offices throughout the Pacific Northwest. During his 46 years in the insurance business, Gary served many people and treasured the enduring friendships he developed with his clients. 

The thread from which the rest of Gary’s life was spun was his faith in God and his love for Jesus. From this came his abiding devotion to family and church, and his eagerness to share with others the faithfulness, grace, and mercy of the Lord in his life.

Preceding Gary to their eternal home are his mom, his dad and stepmom, and three sisters. Gary is survived by his wife Roberta, five children and 14 grandchildren. Gary’s fatherly influence reached beyond his own household to others who considered him their second father/grandfather including seven boys in Africa, whom his daughter Elizabeth cares for as her own, and many within his church family.

The celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at the Church in Moses Lake (Day Star Gym), 6378 Arnold Drive NE in Moses Lake, Washington.