Donald L. Trotier

Donald L. Trotier passed away on January 15, 2026. He was born in Rhinelander on February 1, 1933 to the late Leon and Harriet (Fry) Trotier. He graduated from high school in 1951.

Don then attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, graduating in 1955. After his Junior year, and her freshman year at Stout University, he married Audrey P. Cornwell.

After graduation, Don taught and coached high school sports in Marinette. In 1959, he returned to college, attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Upon finishing graduate school in 1960, he accepted a position as director of trades training with Dow Corning in Midland, Mich. In 1966, the family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked for the American Chemical Society, chemical abstracts division, and then ACS in Washington, D.C.

Returning to Ohio, he worked for two major corporations in administrative roles in Dayton, Ohio. In 1976, the family returned to Columbus, where Don accepted a position in administration with The Ohio College Library, which later became OCLC, the Online Computer Library Center. Don retired in 1993 after a long and successful career at OCLC, as VP of administrative services and production operations.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Audrey of 71 years, sons Brian (Judy Bambace) of Coronado, Calif., Jeff and wife Karen (Clancy) of Columbus, Ohio, and daughter Erin and husband Dr. Steve Shine of Marblehead, Ohio.

Don cherished his grandchildren, Chris (Corey) Trotier, Jimmy (Sarah) Trotier, Dr. Danny (Dr. Kate Slaughter) Trotier, Patrick (Maddie) Shine, and Camille Shine. Don was very proud of his grandchildren for their academic and athletic accomplishments, but most of all, he was proud of the fact that they had all become accomplished adults.

Don is fortunate to have met and spent time with eight great-grandchildren: Joe Wenisch, Henry, Lucy and Teddy Trotier, Mallory Trotier, Margot Trotier, and Louise and Frankie Shine.

Don is also survived by his sister, Betty Rousseau of Racine.

Don had many interests over the years. He attended many of the grandchildren’s athletic events, the Upper Arlington Rotary — where he was a past president and member for 40 years, genealogy, playing golf with his friends at the OSU Golf Club, and a new painting hobby.

He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where he will have his ashes buried in the memorial garden in a private family service. Per his wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.