Obituary
Elizabeth “Betty” Anne (Hoglund) Trapp
Elizabeth “Betty” Anne (Hoglund) Trapp, 81, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, died on January 2, 2025. She was born in La Crosse, WI to Milton and Ethel (Grunditz) Hoglund on July 5, 1943.
Betty graduated from Central High School in 1961, attended Macalester College, Minnesota, and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. Betty met her husband, David Trapp, at Central High School while they were part of a production of Arsenic & Old Lace. Dave and Betty were married in La Crosse, WI on August 21 st , 1965. During the early years of their marriage, Betty supported Dave’s graduate studies at UW-Madison, by working as an interior designer.
Decorating and Interior Design were lifelong passions for Betty. Betty and Dave moved to Faribault, MN when Dave started his insurance career in 1969. Their young and growing family lived for several happy years in Faribault, before returning home in 1975, when they moved to Onalaska.
Betty had a strong faith and was a member of Onalaska United Methodist Church for decades. She was an active volunteer in the church and served on many governing and event committees. Betty loved children and believed strongly in education. She was a frequent volunteer at her son’s elementary and middle schools in Onalaska and never missed a chance to support her sons’ endeavors. Betty was proud of her membership in Chapter CR of the PEO Sisterhood supporting women’s higher education, and volunteering for the AAUW Art Fair on the Green. Betty helped lead the 2001 Campaign for Great Rivers United Way with her husband.
Betty was a wonderful host; skilled as a cook and baker, something that her family, guests and Gourmet Club all appreciated. She took immense pleasure in making things by hand including sewing, knitting and cross-stitch, creating many
original designs. Betty cherished frequent trips to Arizona and Boulder Junction, Wisconsin with family and friends. She traveled to Europe and Asia, loved collecting cookbooks, reading novels, and playing cribbage and Tetris. Betty understood the value of a handwritten letter, or short note to show that you were always in her thoughts. Betty was devoted to her family and reveled in the accomplishments of her husband, sons, granddaughters, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Ethel (Grunditz) Hoglund; her brother, Richard Hoglund; and her sister, Barbara (Thomas) Clark. Betty is survived by her husband, David Trapp of La Crosse; her two sons, Jonathan (Lauri
Hoff) Trapp of La Crosse, and Thomas (Caressa) Trapp of Des Moines, IA, and two granddaughters; Greta and Ingrid of La Crosse.
A memorial service will be held on April 5, 2025, at Onalaska United Methodist Church. There will be a visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, can be directed to Onalaska United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
So sorry for your loss. Betty was such a wonderful friend of my Mom’s, JanSteiger. My heartfelt sympathy Dave to you and your family.
So sorry for you loss Dave, John, Tom and families. She was a dear friend and PEO. We made so many wonderful memories together. She was talented in so many ways. She is at peace now, Dementia is such a cruel disease.
I’m saddened to learn of Betty’s passing. I had not known of this until reading this obituary. I had heard of her health issues over the last few months.
Dave – this must be why I’ve been thinking about you these last few weeks. I’m sorry for your family’s loss, and you all have my deepest condolences.
RIP Betty.
🕊️🙏🌹
Very sorry for your loss.
Dear Dave, Jon and Tom,
I am truly sorry to hear about Betty’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
During my high school year (1993) as an exchange student staying at your home she was my “second mom” for several months and even though “the contact has fallen asleep” over the years I still remember her very well as a very nice and warm-hearted person.
Sending warm regards from Germany,
Constantin
Betty was a wonderful person and always had a smile and a funny story. Dave and Betty were dear friends of our whole Felker Family and we will always remember her with smiles and fondness as a genuinely lovely lady. Our deepest condolences to Dave, Jon and Tom and their families.
deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved wife DAVE and may her memory be a blessing to you and your family! BRUCE J PERLMUTTER
Dear Dave and family, a very beautiful writing in memory of Betty. I wish we could have known her before her health decline but we did know her as a lovely person, always friendly and concerned about others. It must have been a joy to help and join in the many social and domestic occasions she prepared and presented. God has blessed you with a good life with Betty. I will keep all of you in my prayers at this sad time.. Sincerely, Marilyn Finn
Dave and family,
John and I are so sorry for your loss. Betty (and Dave) welcomed us into the neighborhood of Elmwood Hills warmly. Betty generously offer her friendship to me in so many ways. We enjoyed lunches out together and “exploring” Onalaska during my summer breaks.
Heaven has gained a wonderful individual! Rest in peace, Betty.
So sorry to hear about Betty’s passing. She always had a smile on her face and always so friendly. May you find peace in your memories of her.
Dave,
May you and your family be comforted in this sad time.
I always remember Betty’s wonderful smile.
Dan Lefebvre