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.
Miss you, old friend. We had some great times together,with humor always a part of them. Tears are being shed, even though I know you’d be embarrassed to know how much you were loved and appreciated.
A veteran of many Al organized trips to American Players Theater in Spring Green we shared Al’s love of Shakespeare. More we enjoyed Al’s love.
In many of Al’s endeavors we would connect–if in his office, they were never brief. Al often offered something to ponder. Nancy and I are in FL…but are thoughts are with Lynn, Marcus and Tonya.
Donald Smith
Al was the Master Councilor when I joined DeMolay. We were brothers in Badger Lodge 345 and Zor Shrine. He set such a wonderful example for many young men in LaCrosse. He will be missed. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
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.
My most sincere condolences
Hank Poehling
Dear cousin Lynn, so sorry to hear about Al, I’ll pray for him and you. Rocky
It was a priveledge to know Al. I served on the UW-L foundation Board from 2000-2009. I think of him as the (Colonel), fun to be around, a great fund raiser and friend of Pat Stephens. Rest in Peace
Remember Al in chemistry class where he quipped the Eddie curents had been trapped in some eather ! rip
La Crosse and the World has just lost a great earthly person, but the Heavenly World will be much greater for Al. I always classified Al as a great friend with his wonderful spouse Lynn at his side. We were lawyers opposing each other on many occasions but worked together on others matters. I will miss his humor and his perplexed view of me. His job at the UW-La Crosse Foundation was perfect for Al.
Al and Lynn were the best neighbors I could have ever had.
I could not dream of better neighbors if I tried to.
I feel blessed to be a part in their lives.
Barb Bowman (King).
Lynn, sorry to hear of Al,s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Al was my steady North Star for nearly 7 decades, always there as a guide post for reliable advice and direction. The world is a poorer place without him. But in the words of his own advisor, Wm. Shakespeare, “I count myself in nothing else so happy as in a soul remembering my good friend…”
Lynn, my sympathy to you and your family. May Al rest in peace.
Dear Lynn, sorry to learn of Al’s passing. Sounds like he was an accomplished man with a dedicated giving spirit. He was blessed to have you by his side. May he Rest In Peace.
Lynn
I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Sending love, hugs and warm thoughts your way. I will be gone for his service but if I was here-I would be there! If there is anything I can help with-please let me know.
Much love
Andy Gunderson
I first met Al in 1962 for our junior year at Central High and we hit it off immediately. Over the next years we had many great adventures together through high school graduation; a year at LaCrosse State; undergrad years at UW-Madison including a very memorable senior year when we shared an apartment at the now nonexistent Randall Tower (conveniently located near the infamous Badger Tavern) and Al was actually in the cast of a production of Hamlet at the union theatre ; and 3 years of law school at Madison. In 1968 Al was a member of our wedding party.
Carolyn and I moved to Oregon in 1972 for what we thought would be one year but turned out to be considerably longer! However, Al and I maintained our friendship over the years and had many great occasions together. We will surely miss him.
Among the interests Al and I shared was our love of Shakespeare. This passage from Hamlet seems fitting:
“Good night, sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”.
Lynn and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Fondly, Kitty Ruosch
My deepest sympathies to Lynn & family. I remember the fun times when we were young, especially the houseboat. May God wrap His loving arms around you with His peace, grace & comfort.
Lynn..just heard of your husbands passing…I am sorry for your loss.
Lynn, I am so sorry to hear about Al’s passing.
I’m very glad I ran into you last night. It was nice talking to you.
Hugs, Roxanne