Troy Wayne Trostel

Troy Wayne Trostel, 59, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24th at Veterans Hospital in Des Moines.

Troy was born on August 12, 1964, in Denver, Colorado to Donna and Paul Trostel. He moved to Des Moines at the age of 10 and graduated from Roosevelt High School. After high school, Troy enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country in Fort Meyer, VA. He was chosen to be a member of the elite military unit known as The Old Guard. After his military service, Troy dedicated himself to his true passion for food, art, and serving his community by fully immersing himself into the culinary and hospitality industry.

Troy helped his father open Trostel’s Greenbriar and then moved to Denver where he was employed as a chef by the famous Brown Palace Hotel. While there, he attended the prestigious Emily Griffith Culinary School, graduating with honors.

After graduation, Troy returned to the Des Moines area where he rejoined his father at Trostel’s Greenbriar and served as the Executive Chef for 26 years. During this period, Troy earned several major awards and recognitions including Iowa Restaurant Association Chef of the Year, two-time winner of the State of Iowa Taste of Elegance Competition, finalist in the National Taste of Elegance Competition, winner of the Iowa Pork Producers and Iowa Beef Council culinary competitions, including the National Beef Backer Award and winner of the silver medal in the National Culinary Competition at the Great Midwest Food Expo. He won numerous other culinary competitions in the Des Moines area and was a beloved figure in the restaurant industry. He ended his career at the historic Hotel Pattee in Perry, Iowa.

When Troy wasn’t in the kitchen, he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, fishing, and supporting his fellow veterans in the community.

Troy is survived by his mother, Donna Layton; step-mother, Suzanne Summy; sisters, Robyn Trostel McSheehy and Cali Trostel; brother, Cody Trostel; and children, Tanner, Troy (Tuff), Tate, and Ava Trostel.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Trostel.

There will be a Celebration of Life Open House on Sunday, June 2nd at Trostel’s Greenbriar Restaurant in Johnston from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Troy Trostel Memorial through The Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

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