Hans Trankle

Hans Trankle was born in Heilbronn, Germany, to Julius and Martha Trankle, on Nov. 19, 1925. At the age of 4, the family departed Germany for America, making their first home in Winnett. He resided in Billings during his eighth through 11th years of school, and graduated Helena High School, Class of 1944, in Helena.

After working various jobs in the Helena area, Yellowstone Park and in the U.S. Forest Service, Hans applied for a smokejumper job with the Forest Service, working out of Missoula for nine years. In 1959, Hans went to Alaska as a squad leader in the smokejumper program. On June 2, 1959, Hans Trankle, quickly followed by seven other BLM Division of Forestry firefighters, became the agency's first smokejumper when he landed near the Moose Creek #1 Fire. He was most proud of his experiences as a smokejumper. Attending smokejumper reunions was a summer highlight. The year Alaska became a state, 1959, Hans was called back to Alaska to set survey marks by helicopter.

At the age of 40, Hans came home to Billings, working for the U.S. Postal Service, and to a 42-year marriage to Bonnie Buening, whom he'd met in Gardiner. The two of them made many trips to Kodiak, Alaska, where they had a second home. Hans met weekly with Billings friends over coffee, telling stories and jokes. He enjoyed taking road trips on his BMW motorcycle or in his Mazda sports car, visiting friends and relatives along the way.

Hans is preceded in death by his father and mother, Julius and Martha Trankle; his brother, Fred; and his beloved wife, Bonnie. He is survived by numerous cousins and their families.

Hans passed away on March 8, 2017.

Cremation has taken place and, as requested by Hans, there will be no services. Burial will take place in Red Lodge.

Memorials may be made in Hans' name to the Billings Animal Shelter.