Trenna L. Aukerman

Trenna L. Aukerman, 75, passed away January 23, 2018 after a 37-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Trenna was loved and cherished by her family and friends. We loved her sense of humor and her no BS outlook on life. She was always there to listen, and truly cared about those around her. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Mildred and Joe Weidner, Trenna traveled the world and changed lives everywhere she touched down. She had life-long friends and fond memories, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, where she lived for a small portion of her wonderful life. Tahiti and Pingree Park, Colorado, also held a very special place in her heart. Trenna had a brilliant mind. During her 48 years in Fort Collins, Trenna became known as “The Oracle” to friends and family. She provided countless amounts of wisdom, insight, and straightforward advice. She always saw it, and told it like it was. A woman of many passions, Trenna was a child psychologist, artist, author, and acrobatic dancer. She loved turtles and the beautiful colors of life. Trenna was extremely gifted and created many beautiful things. She enjoyed “quiet time” and utilized these precious moments to produce many gorgeous paintings. Several of her works have insightful quotes that will continue teaching her family long after her passing. Trenna’s greatest pleasure and pride came from knowing that she raised two caring sons who inherited her mind and will carry her teachings with them. She took great joy in being a big part of their lives, since both still lived close to her. Her oldest son, Rob Aukerman, and his partner, Sarah Asmus, live in Fort Collins. Her youngest son, Dr. Ryan Aukerman, his wife, Katherine, and their new son, Elliot (Eli) Anthony, live in Laramie, Wyoming. We are so thankful that Trenna was able to meet and spend time with her new baby grandson, Eli. She loved to sing to him and tickle his tiny little feet, which always brought a giggle and a warm smile to both their faces. Trenna touched the lives of not only her own children and grandchild, but as a child psychologist, she touched and changed the lives of countless other children and parents. Trenna earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Penn State University, where she met her husband of 53 years, Bob Aukerman. Currently a professor emeritus with Colorado State University, Bob is still active in the Fort Collins community. Trenna’s professional life included working with disturbed children in a group home and doing early childhood development with disadvantaged pre-school children in a research program at University of Illinois, where she received her master’s degree. She also researched, developed and wrote curriculum used to train teachers for the Head Start program. In Fort Collins, while raising her two sons and assisting Bob, she helped with the Head Start program in Greeley, Colorado, and wrote for the Milton Bradley Company. Although she had a successful and productive professional career, Trenna always put her family and friends first. Talking with her brother and sister-in-law, Merritt and Donna Weidner, was one of her favorite pastimes. Hardly a day went by that they did not communicate. They even set up a secret phone signal system to celebrate Penn State touchdowns during football games. Trenna kept in touch with friends, going all the way back to Emmaus High School. She graduated in 1960 and was still a member of the Emmaus Historical Society. Throughout her life, Trenna also enjoyed hosting parties, walking on the beach, listening to country music, decorating her home, visiting with friends, dancing barefoot, talking on the phone, watching TV, swimming, and cheering on her beloved Nittany Lions. She also was known to enjoy a nice glass of scotch in the evenings, when the time was right. She never lost her love for the ocean, and one of her claims to fame was eating 100 little neck clams in one sitting. Trenna was, by far, one of the strongest people on this planet. We were all in awe of her courage, bravery, and stoic nature while battling a horrific disease. Multiple Sclerosis robbed her of her physical capabilities, but was never a match for her mental toughness. All the way to the end of her journey on this earth, her brilliant and wonderful mind shone through with a radiant intensity that could not be extinguished. Dearest Trenna, you never complained. You always fought. You always succeeded. Even in your death, you were triumphant. Trenna left us with this parting thought in a quote she had written down for us to find: “Sometimes there are no perfect words, only thoughtful silences that whisper of caring.” We know that words cannot truly honor the life of this beautiful creature. Nonetheless, we leave you with one of her favorite sayings, and the words of our mother, our wife, and our best friend: “Been there, done that.” We love you Trenna! May you forever dance. Memorial donations can be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society. To donate in Trenna’s honor online, visit: www.nationalMSsociety.org Click “Donate”, then click “Give in Honor or Memory” in the side menu. By mail: National MS Society, 900 S. Broadway, Ste. 250, Denver, CO. 80209 Write “In memory of Trenna Aukerman” on the check. By phone: 1-800-344-4867 A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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Trenna L. Aukerman

December 30, 1942 - January 23, 2018