Robert Trottmann III Obituary

Robert Trottmann lost his battle with Parkinson’s on January 30, 2024. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Jackie Trottmann, and devoted father to Robert Trottmann IV, stepson, Stephen Fricke, and grandchildren, Helen Trottmann and Huck Trottmann. Robert was a beloved brother to sisters, Barbara (Jerry) Klein and Susan (Roland) Felice. 

Robert enjoyed an extensive management career at Southwestern Bell and continued that career at Fidelity Communications. He was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood where he sang in the Chancel Choir and served as a deacon, elder, and participated in over 11 mission trips to help rebuild communities devastated by floods, hurricanes, or tornados. Robert served on the board of Good Shepherd School for Children and stepped in as President at a very difficult time for the school. 

His devotion to his friends ran deep. When he was 50, Robert took up the game of tennis. He formed a very close bond with his tennis buddies. They played three times a week and met for coffee after their Saturday morning practice. When Robert could no longer play, they came to the house several times to have coffee. 

After graduating from Kirkwood High School, Robert attended DePauw University and went on to earn his master’s degree at Mizzou. At DePauw he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. His bond with his fraternity brothers continued until he breathed his last breath.  

Robert was an athlete. He participated in the Little 500 cycling race at DePauw. (The movie, Breaking Away was based off that race at Indiana University.) He ran in two marathons. After his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Robert took up boxing and worked out with a personal trainer. 

Robert was an inspiration to so many who had the opportunity to get to know him. He was determined not to let Parkinson’s define him. It didn’t. 

He was always giving. In an effort to support a cure for the disease, he participated in a Parkinson’s study through Washington University Medical Center and donated his brain to help the cause. 

He is dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life on March 16 at 1:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood. 100 E. Adams, Kirkwood, MO 63122. For those not able to attend, the service will be live-streamed and posted on the church website: https://www.kirkwoodpres.org/ 

Memorial donations can be made to the following: First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood Building Fund, Good Shepherd School for Children, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.