Obituary
Allen (“Al”) Theodore Trapp
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts.”
—William Shakespeare, As You Like It
Allen (“Al”) Theodore Trapp understood this truth well. He made his entrance on May 21, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and his exit on February 7, 2026, in La Crosse. Between those moments, he played his many parts with intention, humor, and deep generosity of spirit.
Over the course of his life, Al stepped into each role fully, bringing curiosity, integrity, and care to every part he was given. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Over the course of his life, he played many parts: lawyer, teacher, professional fundraiser, foundation executive, and devoted community volunteer.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore B. (“Ted”) and June (Foster) Trapp of La Crosse, and by his brothers David (Betty) and Timothy. On June 6, 1970, he married the love and sunshine of his life, Lynn Chapiewsky of Cashton. In addition to Lynn, he is survived by their daughter, Tonya (Eric), and son, Marcus (Allison); five beloved grandchildren, Olivia, Simon, Liam, Max, and Leo; his nephews, Jonathan (Lauri) and Thomas (Caressa); and grandnieces Greta, Ingrid, and Bennett.
Al graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1964 and began his collegiate studies that fall at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He later transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1968 and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1971.
Returning to La Crosse in the summer of 1971, Al began practicing law with the Johns Flaherty firm, while Lynn, a registered nurse, returned to her position at St. Francis Hospital. In 1975, Al and two law school friends co-founded the firm Olson, Trapp & Safronoff, with offices in the “garden level” of the Hotel Stoddard. Alongside his legal practice, Al enjoyed speaking about the law at local high schools through a State Bar Association program and teaching political science courses at UW–La Crosse.
In 1988, Al’s career took a meaningful turn when he joined the UW–La Crosse Foundation as Director of Planned Giving. He later served as Vice President and then President of the Foundation, retiring in 2013 after years of dedicated leadership and service.
Much of Al’s life unfolded in the public square—through law, education, philanthropy, and civic leadership—where he believed service was both a responsibility and a privilege. He served as Board Chair of the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce and chaired its Government Action Committee and Oktoberfest in the Capitol. He was legal counsel and past Board Chair of the UW–La Crosse Foundation and served as Chairman of the La Crosse County Republican Party in 1976. His many board affiliations included Oak Grove Cemetery, the Coulee Region Business Center, La Crosse Freedom Fest, Riverside International Friendship Gardens, the Wisconsin Heart Association, and the Winding Rivers Library System. Al was a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and a past President of the La Crosse County Bar Association.
In recognition of his service, Al received numerous honors, including the UW–La Crosse Foundation Chancellor’s Award (1986), Outstanding Professional Fundraiser from the La Crosse Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (2001), designation as a UW System “Wisconsin Idea Fellow” (2004–2005), the Leadership Award and Volunteer of the Year Award from the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, its Community Service Award (2010), and the LADCO Distinguished Service Award (2012). In 2006, he delighted audiences as the winner of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra’s Conductor Wannabe fundraising competition.
Al was grateful for, and guided by, the teachings and values of Freemasonry. As a high school student, he joined the Order of DeMolay, a Masonic youth organization, and in 1966, while attending UW–Madison, he was elected State Master Councilor of Wisconsin DeMolay. After returning to La Crosse, he became a member of Frontier Lodge No. 45, F. & A.M., joined the Zor Shriners, served as President of the La Crosse Shrine Club, and was a member of the Board of the Wisconsin Masonic Home in Dousman.
For all his professional accomplishments, Al knew that the truest measure of a life was found offstage. Above all, Al was thankful for a life filled with love—his devoted wife and family, dear friends, and a career that allowed him to serve others and his community. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends, reading, listening to music of all kinds, traveling, walking and exercising (if only to impress his Fitbit), and attempting to play golf. He loved live theatre and, especially, the study and performance of the plays of William Shakespeare. He cherished the Bard’s language and lessons.
As Al made his final exit, he borrowed once more from the Sweet Swan of Avon:
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on,
And our little life is rounded with a sleep.”
A Remembrance and Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm on Saturday, March 14 at Celebrations on the River in La Crosse.
Final interment will take place at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin; Shriners Children’s Twin Cities; or the UW–La Crosse Foundation for its general scholarship fund.
I ran across Al in many different circumstances: politics (opposing sides); law; the UWL Foundation, sheepshead ; golf; civic organizations; having a drink. In all cases he was a prince of a man. He was a true scholar of Shakespeare. I was a dilletante. But almost every time we were together we would recite the Henry IV speech just before the Battle of Agincourt: “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…” simultaneously. I shall miss my good friend.