Bert Trautmann’s Spouse: A Look at the Legendary Goalkeeper’s Marriages
Bert Trautmann, a football icon and legendary goalkeeper, led a life full of remarkable achievements both on and off the pitch. While his career made headlines, his personal life, especially his marriages, also contributed to his incredible journey. Trautmann’s three marriages over the years reveal a story of love, resilience, and companionship that stood alongside his football legacy.
Who Was Bert Trautmann?
Bert Trautmann’s life story is one of immense courage, beginning with his service as a German soldier during World War II, followed by his capture by British forces. As a prisoner of war, he discovered his passion for football, and later rose to international fame as a goalkeeper, particularly for Manchester City.
- Born: October 22, 1923, Bremen, Germany
- Died: July 19, 2013, Spain
- Position: Goalkeeper, most notably for Manchester City (1949–1964)
Bert Trautmann’s Marital Journey: Three Significant Relationships
Bert Trautmann was married three times in his life. His wife played a pivotal role in his personal life, offering him support and companionship as he navigated both football stardom and the challenges of growing older.
1. First Marriage: Margaret Friar
- Marriage Date: 1949
- Children: John, Mark, and Stephen
- Divorce: 1972
Bert’s first wife, Margaret Friar, was an Englishwoman he met while he was a prisoner of war in the late 1940s. The couple’s union was forged in adversity, with Margaret providing the emotional strength Bert needed during his transition from a prisoner to a professional footballer in England. As Bert’s career in football took off, Margaret was a steady source of support.
Their marriage lasted for 22 years, and together they raised three children. However, after more than two decades, the marriage ended in 1972. Despite their separation, their shared history and their children’s upbringing had a significant impact in Bert’s life.
2. Second Marriage: Ursula von der Heyde
- Marriage Date: Early 1970s
- Divorce/Death: 1995
Following his divorce from Margaret, Bert married Ursula von der Heyde, a German woman. This second marriage occurred during Bert’s post-football career after he had retired and moved back to Germany. Together, they worked on various business ventures, including opening a sports shop. Bert also served as a coach for several teams.
The couple’s bond was rooted in their shared love for sports, and Ursula remained a strong figure in Bert’s life, especially as he adjusted to life after football. Tragically, Ursula passed away in 1995, leaving Bert to cope with yet another loss.
3. Third Marriage: Marlis Stein
- Marriage Date: Late 1990s
- Death of Marlis: 2010s
In his later years, Bert found love again with Marlis Stein. They married in the late 1990s, and Marlis played an important role in Bert’s life during his final years. As Bert aged, Marlis provided the care and support he needed, and they enjoyed a peaceful life together.
Marlis’s presence in Bert’s life was a great comfort as his health began to decline. They were together until Bert’s passing in 2013, marking the end of his three significant marriages.
Timeline of Bert Trautmann’s Marriages
| Marriage | Spouse | Marriage Period | Children | End of Marriage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Marriage | Margaret Friar | 1949 – 1972 | John, Mark, Stephen | Divorce in 1972 |
| Second Marriage | Ursula von der Heyde | Early 1970s – 1995 | None | Ursula’s death in 1995 |
| Third Marriage | Marlis Stein | Late 1990s – 2013 | None | Bert’s death in 2013 |
The Impact of Bert Trautmann’s Marriages on His Life
Each of Bert Trautmann’s marriages was pivotal in shaping his life journey. His first wife, Margaret, helped him transition from a war prisoner to a football legend. Ursula was a supportive partner as Bert faced life after football, and Marlis was there for him in his later years, offering companionship and care.
His spouses not only provided him with love and stability but were also witnesses to the growth of a legend. They played integral roles behind the scenes as Bert achieved fame and success, and their contributions are often overlooked in the retelling of his story.
Legacy of Bert Trautmann
Bert Trautmann’s legacy as a goalkeeper remains unmatched, particularly after his legendary performance in the 1956 FA Cup Final with Manchester City, where he played despite a broken neck. His personal life, marked by love, loss, and resilience, is equally as inspiring. Through his marriages, Bert proved that behind every great man is a great woman, and his spouses played a vital part in helping him become the icon he is remembered as today.
Even in his final years, Trautmann’s commitment to his family and the love shared with his spouses left an indelible mark on the people closest to him. He passed away in 2013, but his story continues to inspire both football fans and those who appreciate the depth of human connections.
FAQs: Bert Trautmann’s Spouse
How many times was Bert Trautmann married?
Bert Trautmann was married three times in his life: first to Margaret Friar, second to Ursula von der Heyde, and third to Marlis Stein.
Who was Bert Trautmann’s first wife?
His first wife was Margaret Friar, with whom he had three children and was married for 22 years.
Did Bert Trautmann have any children?
Yes, Bert had three children with his first wife, Margaret: John, Mark, and Stephen.
How long did Bert Trautmann’s second marriage last?
Bert’s second marriage to Ursula von der Heyde lasted from the early 1970s until Ursula’s passing in 1995.
Who was Bert Trautmann’s third wife?
Bert’s third wife was Marlis Stein, whom he married in the late 1990s. They were together until Bert died in 2013.
How old was Margaret Friar (Bert Trautmann’s first wife) when she died?
Unfortunately, the exact date of Margaret Friar’s death is not widely documented, but she passed away in the early 2000s. She would have been in her 70s at the time of her death.
Did Bert Trautmann’s second wife, Ursula von der Heyde, have children with him?
No, Bert and Ursula did not have any children together.
How did Bert Trautmann meet his first wife, Margaret Friar?
Bert met Margaret while he was a prisoner of war in England in the late 1940s. After the war, Bert remained in England and they married in 1949.
How long was Bert married to Marlis Stein?
Bert married Marlis Stein in the late 1990s, and they were together until his death in 2013, meaning their marriage lasted around 15 years.
What did Ursula von der Heyde do after her marriage to Bert Trautmann?
After her marriage to Bert, Ursula supported him in his post-football ventures. They lived in Germany, and Bert later opened a sports shop and worked as a coach for several football teams.
Where did Bert Trautmann’s third wife, Marlis Stein, live with him?
After their marriage, Bert and Marlis lived in Spain, where Bert enjoyed his retirement years and spent time with family and friends.
Did Bert Trautmann’s wives influence his football career?
Yes, all three of Bert Trautmann’s wives provided emotional support, love, and companionship throughout different stages of his career, from his challenging beginnings as a prisoner of war to his rise as a football legend and his life after retirement.
Did Bert Trautmann’s first wife, Margaret, ever speak publicly about their marriage?
While Margaret did not speak extensively in the media, she was a supportive presence throughout Bert’s football career, especially when he faced criticism for his German background during his time at Manchester City.
What was Bert Trautmann’s life like after Marlis Stein passed away?
Bert was deeply affected by Marlis’s passing in 2010, but he continued to live his life with resilience, focusing on his family and legacy. His final years were spent quietly in Spain, reflecting on his remarkable football career and the love he had with his wives.
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