David A. Trapp

David Armitage Trapp, 82, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, died on February 10, 2025. He was born in Milwaukee, WI to Theodore B. and June A. (Foster) Trapp on August 17, 1942.

The family moved from Milwaukee to Madison, WI in 1946 and then to Manitowoc, WI in 1948. In 1952, the Trapps finally settled in La Crosse, where Theodore managed the Sherwin-Williams paint store for many years. Dave graduated from Central High School in 1960 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he completed undergraduate and graduate studies focusing on cultural and intellectual history and paleoecology. Dave met his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Hoglund, at Central High School where they were a part of a production of Arsenic & Old Lace. Dave and Betty were married in La Crosse, WI on August 21, 1965. Dave and Betty enjoyed happy years in Madison during his graduate studies and the early days of his insurance career. His young and growing family followed Dave to Faribault, MN after he accepted a position with Federated Insurance, before they moved home to Onalaska, WI in 1975.

Dave began his distinguished insurance career in 1969, becoming a licensed intermediary in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, New York, and Maryland for life, health and accident, property, and casualty insurance. As the owner of Armitage, Inc., d/b/a David Trapp Agency, Corporate Compensation Plans of Wisconsin, Inc., and Second Opinion Insurance Services, Inc., Dave built a legacy of trusted service and expertise in the insurance industry. He also served as a consultant for Coulee Area Regional Employers (CARE) Health Action Cooperative, helping to support businesses and individuals in the region.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dave was deeply committed to his community. He was a past president of the La Crosse Downtown Rotary Club and served as the 2001 United Way Campaign Chair for the Coulee Region. His dedication to service extended to numerous organizations, including the Girl Scouts’ Riverland Council “Camp Ehawee Campaign,” Riverfront, Inc., and the Church Council of the Onalaska United Methodist Church. He was also an active board member for the La Crosse County’s Health and Human Services Board and the La Crosse Rotary Foundation.

Dave’s generosity and leadership were felt in many areas, as he contributed his time and expertise as Finance Chairman for Onalaska United Methodist Church and played a key role in fundraising efforts for the Red Cross, Coulee Region Humane Society, United Way, Aptiv (formerly Riverfront), and local fire departments. Leaving a legacy of kindness, leadership, and dedication to both his profession and his community, Dave will be remembered by all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

Dave and his brothers, Al and Tim, were the best of friends and know collectively in the family as The Party Uncles. Their festivities were the highlight of family holiday gatherings, birthdays, football weekends in Madison, and trips up north to Dairymen’s Country Club. Dave loved Dairymen’s and was always ready to walk it’s beautiful, wooded trails, take a boat onto the lake, or play a round of golf. Dave was an avid reader with interests in Native Americans, megalithic structures, cathedrals, and geology. Dave was devoted to his family and his faith.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and June (Foster) Trapp, his brother, Timothy Trapp, and his beloved wife, Betty Trapp. He is survived by his brother, Allen (Lynn) Trapp, of La Crosse, WI, his two sons, Jonathan (Lauri Hoff) Trapp, of La Crosse, WI, and Thomas (Caressa) Trapp of Des Moines, IA, three granddaughters, Greta and Ingrid of La Crosse, WI and Bennett of Des Moines, IA.

A joint memorial service for Dave and Betty will be held on April 5, 2025, at Onalaska United Methodist Church. There will be a visitation at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, can be directed to Onalaska United Methodist Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.