Rolf K. Trinkner

North  Ferrisburgh

                Rolf Karl Trinkner, 80, of Long Point peacefully passed away at Helen Porter Nursing Home in Middlebury on Sunday, March 11, 2018.

                Rolf was born on March 5, 1938, in Besigheim, Germany to Christian and Friederike (Beyl) Trinkner. He received his early education in Germany.

                Rolf came to the United States in 1958 and apprenticed as a painter.  He joined the United States Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1963.  He also served in the New Jersey National Guard from 1965 to 1967.  He began his career as a plastic mold maker in New Jersey and moved with the company (CPC of Vermont) to Middlebury. He remained there until his retirement.

                Rolf met the love of his life, his life partner, Morag Burke, who at 18 years of age came to the U.S. from Scotland. They were together until her death on February 13, 2008.

                He loved spending time with his extended family and many friends. He always had time in his day to visit neighbors and keep them updated on current events.  He was fascinated with aeronautics and was proud to earn his pilot’s license and to be able to fly.  He was an avid walker, rain or shine, and was always accompanied by his faithful canine buddies, Broli and Falco, at his side. Rolf was also an accomplished French horn player and was a member of several local concert bands as well as a member of the U.S. Military Bands in Fort Hood, Texas, and the New Jersey National Guard.

                Rolf was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Helmut; and special cousins, Margaret and Susan. Surviving him is a sister Else Alber and her husband Klaus Alber and family; and his nieces and nephews, Annette Trinkner, Ralf Trinkner, Jorg Alber and Petra Diesner, and sister-in-law Anne Trinkner all from Germany; and cousin David Machette of New Jersey. He is also survived by many friends, especially Rod and Joan Case of New Haven, Vermont, who were with him at his passing.

                There will be a memorial gathering on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 3-5 PM at the Brown McClay Funeral Home, 48 South Maple Street, Vergennes, VT 05491.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, PO Box 11, Vergennes, VT 05491, or your favorite charity. To send online condolences to his family please visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com

                Rest in peace, Rolf.  You are greatly missed.