Robert K. Tramsen

 With sadness at the time of death, and confidence in the promises of God, we share with you that Robert K. Tramsen, 92 years of age, died on 12-25-2020.  Beloved husband of Reida J. (Spang) Tramsen, father of Kye Tramsen Morrow, grandfather of Taylor Morrow Suriano (Luke Suriano), uncle of Regan J. Fetterolf and Scott F. Fetterolf (Terri Fetterolf).  Bob was predeceased by his infant brothers Edward Jr and William, his Father, Edward A. Tramsen, and his Mother, Sadie A. (Nielsen) Tramsen.

Bob was born in Illinois into a proudly Danish family. The family moved to Butler, Pennsylvania, when Bob was a child. He attended and graduated from the Butler School System.  Bob worked for his Father's business, Butler Floor Company, during high school and while he attended Thiel College. He was proud of the intricate floor designs they created; in particular at Penn State University, Grove City College, and the PA Capital Building.
After college, Bob proudly served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War.  He had fond memories of his time aboard the USS Vance Coast Guard Cutter Ship with tours through the Philippines and Hawaiian Islands.
Like his Father, both Grandfathers, and Grandfather-in-Law, Bob was a lifelong faithful Mason.  He was initiated in Butler Lodge No 694 as an Entered Apprentice and was passed to a Fellowcraft Mason and then raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.  He was a member of West Chester Lodge No 322.
Bob met his future wife, Reida, at Butler High School. After college for both of them, and the Coast Guard for Bob, they married in 1954.  Bob’s greatest joy was his wife Reida and their shared 66 and one half years of marriage.  They had one devoted daughter, Kye D. Tramsen Morrow, and one granddaughter, Taylor L. Morrow Suriano, who was the light and love of his life.
Bob began his sales and sales management career with Alemite, for 5 years.  After a year with Sinclar Refining Company, he was employed by Symons Manufacturing Company (which became Symons by Dayton Superior Corporation, a Gulf & Western Industries Inc company).  During a career with Symons that spanned 30 years, Bob was a leading Sales Representative, an award winning District Sales Manager, and an exceptional Regional Manager.  Symons promoted and transferred Bob several times to wherever they needed his expertise to get a Territory, District, or Region whipped into shape.  Bob and his family lived in Butler, Pittsburgh, and Berwyn (PA), and Livonia (MI), and Hudson (OH).  After retiring from Symons, Bob wanted to stay busy so he worked for Miller's Insurance Agency until he was 86 years old!
Bob was a loving and proud family man; known for his ready smile, his good nature, and his sense of humor.  When you asked Bob how he was, his answer (no matter how he really felt) was always "GREAT"!
Bob was a 'handyman' who could fix anything around the house.  He was also a talented woodworker who crafted many heirloom items for his family and friends. Bob learned many of his woodworking skills from his Maternal Grandfather who was a carpenter and from his wife's Grandfather.  Bob made 3 life size wooden crosses for Willlistown United Methodist Church, which he and Reida attended for 22 years. The crosses sit up on a hill overlooking a busy road; they will provide inspiration to many for years.  Bob's family particularly cherishes a handcrafted cherry cradle that he made for his granddaughter's birth, an intricate inlaid chest that he made for his daughter, and a gorgeous cherry hope chest that he made for his granddaughter.
Bob lived his life with joy. He had few regrets, perhaps excepting that he never completed and sailed the handmade wood sailboat that he worked on for years! We know that he's content up there, patiently waiting for his wife to join him for the rest of eternity together.