Jerry Trumpka
2023 Sandra Sagear Wall of Courage Honoree
Jerry Trumpka attended Oakman Elementary and Cody High School, Detroit He graduated January, 1969.
Birth 9.15.50 – Death 3.17.2008. “Post-polio syndrome (PPS). usually occurs 15-40 years after the infection and recovery. PPS is believed to be the result of a deterioration of nerve cells called motor neurons over many years that leads to loss of muscle strength and dysfunction. Polio and post-polio syndrome are caused by poliovirus.(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke).
Nominated by Rebecca Trumpka (Becky) and Toni Trumpka
Jerry Trumpka, co-chairman of the Sandra Sagear Wall of Courage and Sandra Sagear Scholarships. Jerry discusses Sandra Sagear, Sagear Wall of Courage and eradicating polio.
Rotarians with Jerry Trumpka
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF MR. JERRY TRUMPKA HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER of MichiganIn the house of RepresentativesMonday, 19, 2008 Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Jerry Trumpka, a treasured community leader, and mourn him upon his passing at age 57. Jerry Trumpka was a founding member and president of the Plymouth A.M. Rotary Club. Jerry contracted polio at the age of nine. Mr. Trumpka used his struggle with the disease as an inspiration to assist his local community, our Nation, and worldwide efforts to provide comfort to families and victims of polio and help eliminate the disease. The Rotary Club, which is an international organization, has made its main focus since 1985 to eradicate polio worldwide. Jerry was honored to become President of the Club in 2003. Mr. Trumpka was instrumental to the development of the Sandra Sagear award, named after a local high school student who overcame the challenges of living with polio. Mr. Trumpka helped to initiate the award and $500 scholarships in Sagear’s name and assisted in the construction of a memory wall honoring the recipients of the award. Jerry was known as a quiet giver both through his leadership in the Rotary Club and in his position as the operations associate at the Plymouth Community United Way office. Mr. Trumpka was also known for his involvement in the political community as a Republican activist. Tragically, Jerry passed away from a heart attack. Jerry will be cherished as a devoted husband and father. To his wife, Becky; his daughter; Toni; and to everyone who knew and loved him, Jerry was a dedicated member of his community who will be truly missed. Madam Speaker, during his lifetime, Mr. Jerry Trumpka enriched the lives of everyone around him by exhibiting vigor, leadership, and spirit. As we bid farewell to this outstanding individual, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his passing and honoring his many years of loyal service to the community and our country.
Gerald “Jerry” Trumpka Passed away suddenly March 17, 2008, at the age of 57. Jerry is the beloved husband of Becky, and dear father of Toni. Dear brother of Joseph (Virginia) Trumpka and Elaine (Clyde) Worley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He worked for 30 years as a bookkeeper at Midas Muffler in Plymouth, retiring 5 years ago. Jerry then went to work at the Plymouth United Way, where he had been volunteering for the 15 or so previous years. He was a member of Resurrection Parish in Canton. He was a former member of both the Plymouth Noon Rotary and Plymouth AM Rotary clubs. Jerry was also very involved in Republican Politics. Jerry and Becky would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this coming May. He was very dedicated to his work, community and family. Having polio as a child, Jerry never let his disability stop him from doing the things he wanted to do or felt he needed to do for community and family. Visitation at Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main St., Plymouth, Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 5-8pm and Thursday 2-8pm with a prayer service Thursday evening 7pm. A Memorial Mass will take place at Resurrection Parish, Canton, Saturday, March 29, 2008, 11am. Memorials may be made to Right to Life or Plymouth United Way.
Source: Resurrection Parish
Submitted by Debra Madonna, Jerry’s friend