Martin Jerome "Jerry" Trafas

January 17, 1941 – February 15, 2026

Martin Jerome Trafas, known to all as Jerry, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital surrounded by family on February 15, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on January 17, 1941, in Little Falls, Minnesota, Jerry was the youngest of five children and was proud of his Polish heritage. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1959, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. A gifted athlete, Jerry helped lead his baseball team to a state championship. After high school Jerry continued to play baseball and even pitched a perfect game.

In 1962, Jerry married the love of his life, Marie. They were high school sweethearts who knew each other since kindergarten. Together they built a life centered on family and community.

Jerry’s career reflected his strong work ethic. He started his career as a butcher for Red Owl and over the years moved into leadership with being a meat market supervisor which included at one point managing five stores. Jerry took great pride in the meat departments that he ran and was respected for his leadership and quality of work. At one point in his career, Jerry worked for Tuffy’s delivering dog food when living in Wasesca and Owatana.

For 20 years Jerry was a volunteer firefighter for the Hopkins Fire Department. He was proud to serve his community in this way.

Jerry cherished time with his family. From when his children were young, he took his family camping on the weekends. Many memories were made over the campfire, fishing and hiking in the woods. He was an engaged dad who took immense pride in his children. He was also incredibly proud of his two grandchildren.

Jerry never missed a chance to visit with neighbors, always ready to share a story, a joke or a warm smile. Jerry had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. Some of Jerry’s favorite days were spent on the golf course. He was an avid supporter of University of Minnesota women’s basketball, holding season tickets for over ten years.

His faith was an important part of his life. He was active in his church community, was an Eucharistic minister and faithfully volunteered serving meals at funerals.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Mary; his sisters, Margaret, Delores, and Rosie; and his brother, Marv.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Marie; his son Brian (Judy); his daughter Michelle “Shelly” (Joy); and his grandsons, Jason and Jeremy.

Jerry will be remembered for his deep love of family, his love of sports and the pride he took in both his work and community. He will be deeply missed.

It was Jerry’s wish that any charitable donations be made in his memory to All Dog Rescue MN (link to follow).

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday, March 18 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N, with a Prayer Service time to be announced.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, March 19 at the Church of St. Mary of the Lake, 105 Forestview Lane, Plymouth, with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Private interment Grandview Park Cemetery, Hopkins.