Konrad Emiel Trettenbach

Konrad Trettenbach, 87, passed away after a long battle with dementia and declining health. He was surrounded by his loving family in his remaining days of life. Konrad was born to Madeline Kohles and Frank Trettenbach in Cutbank, Montana. He lived in many places across the country due to his father’s work. Konrad graduated from Shelby High School. He was honorably discharged after serving six years in the Army National Guard. He finally settled in Great Falls where he married the love of his life, Donna Lee Tarpley. They met on a blind date and married four months later. Konrad worked for 33 years at Concrete Service. His grandson wrote in his early years that he was the best cement truck driver in the whole world. Konrad had many hobbies and talents. He could make anything out of wood., including jewelry to carved animals. He made furniture for his grandkids including toy boxes that they all love. He built a Hot Rod out of a 35 Ford truck full of bullet holes that he found abandoned in a field. He named the Hot Rod “Shaker”, and it was classified as a radical custom built rod pickup. He won many trophies in car shows that were proudly displayed in his home. He took great pride in his 63 orange and white Ford truck as well. He was the go-to person when his son and neighbor boys needed anything repaired on their race cars. His garage was named “Miracle Productions.” He didn’t ski, but he would spend the entire day pulling others on water skis. He loved to fish, camp, and hunt. He traveled to Europe, the Panama Canal, Mexico, and Hawaii with his family. Hawaii was his favorite vacation spot. His neighbors in Hawaii would have to watch out for him because he liked to pick their bananas. Everyone who knew him knew him to be a kind, helpful, and very talented man. He truly loved his family, and we all enjoyed his bear hugs even when we couldn’t breathe. He was a true gentleman. He is survived by his wife, Donna Trettenbach; two children, Laurie (Tagg) Atkins and Larry (Linda) Trettenbach; five grandchildren, Austin (Sarah) Olson), Dustin (Tonya) Olson, Shawna (Nick) Gascon, Travis Trettenbach, and Brandon Trettenbach; seven great-grandchildren; and very special friends, Scott and Jodi. A huge thankyou to Peace Hospice who made sure he was comfortable in his final hours.