Alfred "Freddie" Louis Trautman Jr., age 83, of New Iberia, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025. Freddie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Dorothy Prince Trautman and Alfred Louis Trautman, Sr.
When his family moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Franklin, LA, Freddie attended Hanson High School in Franklin and then New Iberia High School in new Iberia. Freddie was a member of the Avery Island Rocket Club where students built and launched rockets for competition. After his graduation from high school, he went on to trade school to study communications. In 1963, he enlisted into the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base. He was an electrician with the military and served overseas and stateside. After his honorable discharge, Freddie returned to trade school to finish his studies and worked various jobs before 1980 when he began working with Exxon as an electrician, a career that spanned 15 years.
Outside of his career, Freddie found joy in several pastimes. He was most proud of being a Ham Radio Operator, call letters KSMZG, and was awarded numerous certificates for his ability to communicate with people all over the world. He was also a fitness enthusiast focusing on his cardiac health and body building. But many will remember Freddie as an accomplished pianist who entertained so many fans playing with different bands and in Piano bars across the nation. Other interests included keeping up with politics and his love of Star Trek and Star Wars.
Above all, Freddie was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and friend to so many. His legacy will live on in the hearts and thoughts of all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
Freddie is survived by his wife, Sally Trautman; his son, Alfred Louis Trautman III (Sarah); his daughter, Candi Rogers (Howard); his brothers, David Trautman and Glynn Trautman; his sisters, Barbara Arton and Gloria Boutte (Carroll); his grandchildren, Emily Pete, Spencer Pete (Lani), James McNett (Monic), Desiree McNett, James Hale III, Patrick Rogers; and his great-grandchildren, Camille Pete, Gunner Pete, Micah Dysart, and Isaiah McNett.
He was preceded in death by his daughters, Wendy Pete and Pauline Sonnier; his grandchild, Matthew Gilley; his parents, Alfred Louis Trautman, Sr. and Dorothy Prince Trautman; his in-laws, Stoney Hotard and Constance Broussard Hotard; and his nephew, Louis "Deanie" Arton, Jr.
A visitation will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Thursday, April 10, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM, followed by a rosary at 1:30 PM and a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM , with Fr. Nathan Comeaux officiating. Amy Arton, Freddie's niece, will sing for the Mass. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Glynn Trautman, Lindsey Trautman, Gregory Pete and Spencer Pete; Honorary pallbearers are Alfred Trautman, III, Lynn Arton, James Hales, III, Patrick Rogers, Christopher Pete, Emily Pete and James McNett.
Freddie will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his spirit and love for life will continue to inspire those who knew him.
To view the online obituary and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
