'Oscar Mayer Wiener Song' composer dies at 87
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Richard D. Trentlage, who wrote the theme for a classic Oscar Mayer commercial, died on Sept. 21. He was 87.
Trentlage was born in Chicago and had been living in northwest suburban Fox River Grove.
He started writing jingles when he was a student at Calumet High School in Chicago's Gresham neighborhood.
Trentlage went on to write the tunes for many commercials and often recorded them in his living room, using his family to sing the songs.
The Oscar Mayer Company credited him for making their hot dogs such a popular product. Trentlage also penned, "WOW! It sure doesn't taste like tomato juice," "Buckle up for safety, buckle up!" and "McDonald's is your kind of place!"
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jacqueline, four children, three step-children, 19 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Vivian, his son, Terry and his brother, William.
A memorial service will be held at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory in northwest suburban Crystal Lake on Oct. 8 at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.
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