William (Bill) Earl Van Trump

On November 28th, 2023, William “Bill” Earl Van Trump beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away surrounded by loved ones in Chicago. The 3rd of 6 children to James Isaiah Van Trump and June Alene Van Trump. Bill was born on May 8th, 1950, on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.

As a railroader, Bill travelled most of the West and Midwest throughout his early years. At the age of 23 he met Barb through one of his Steel Gang employees. They made their first home together in a boxcar and soon after Barb gave birth to their daughter, Angela. Bill and Barb lost their second of 3 children, Andrew (Andy), at the young age of 5; nevertheless, their strength and resilience carried them through difficult times.

Bill’s career was a large part of his life, and he retired as Senior Vice President of Engineering with the Union Pacific Railroad. During his over 40-year tenure with Union Pacific, he started as a machine operator in 1972, but moved up the ranks and at the end of his career, was a lifelong member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Union. In addition, he was a lifelong member of AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association), and from 2009-2010 was elected AREMA’s President.

For a time, they settled in Salt Lake City, Utah; in 1994 Bill and Barb welcomed grandchild Morgan. Aside from time with his family, Bill enjoyed motorcycle riding, golf, family time, and working on various homes they kept throughout the years – Nebraska, Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Utah, and more. Throughout their many homes, Bill always considered Omaha a home base; at least during the warmer months, spending most winters in Arizona.

In 2022, his beloved wife Barb passed away at which time he was moved to Chicago to be with his daughter, Angela. He enjoyed estate sale shopping, going to various Chicago Museums, cuddling with Gizmo (his puppy), and spending time with his family. In November 2022, Bill welcomed second grandchild, Arthur Van Trump who Bill had the chance to meet and sing to.

Finally, at the end of his life track, William is survived by his two children, Angela Fontes and Will “Buddy” Van Trump, and two grandchildren, Morgan Fontes and Arthur Van Trump.

Memorial services will be: a memorial luncheon held at The Kimpton Cottonwood in Omaha, Nebraska, 11 AM on January 14th, 2024.

For those traveling, a special rate has been negotiated with the hotel. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-546-7866 and referencing code “VTM”.