Harold H. Traurig, PhD

Dr. Harold H. Traurig, age 80, a current resident of Sandia Park, New Mexico and longtime resident of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away Friday, May 12, 2017. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lucille Traurig. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 28, 1936 and grew up in New Ulm, Minnesota.  He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Gloria Casale; children, Lisa Schmidt (Mark), Dan Traurig (Jayne), Greg Traurig (Becky), Raymond Ontko (Sharon), Robin Meterchick (Joseph), Thomas Ontko, and Bryan Ontko; grandchildren, John Traurig, Sarah Traurig, Maya Traurig, Madeline Madruga, Tyler Smith, Brent Wilber (Amber), and Morgan Snavely (Joseph); great-grandchildren, Kyleen Wilber and Jackson Wilber;  brother, Ronald Traurig and wife, Judy; many nieces and nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Harold attended Minnesota State University in Mankato, receiving his BS and the University of Minnesota, receiving his PhD in Anatomy and Neurobiology.  He was a decorated professor at the University Of Kentucky College Of Medicine for 42 years, receiving numerous awards and designations, including the Golden Apple Award, Best Teacher of the Year and Most Effective Teacher.  He was an internationally renowned neuroscience researcher and published author spending time in Austria, Kuwait, Germany, China and Russia.

Harold retired to New Mexico where he taught at the University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine and the University of St. Francis. As a Fourth Degree Knight, Sir Knight Harold Traurig served on the Council and the Assembly.  He was also very active in the Holy Child Parish. Harold also belonged to the Edelweiss AM Rio Grande German American Club and was very active in several professional organizations.

Harold was an avid sports fan.  He loved his Kentucky Wildcats, the New Mexico Lobos, and his hometown Chicago Cubs.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Friends may visit Monday, May 15, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary to immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. in the FRENCH – Lomas Chapel.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, May 16, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Child Parish in Tijeras, New Mexico. Cremation will follow with burial in New Ulm, Minnesota at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harold's name to the American Cancer Society for Prostate Cancer, at cancer.org. and the St. Jude Children's Hospital, at Stjude.org or the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center mdanderson.org.

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