Irwin Jacob Traines

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Irwin (Irv) Jacob Traines, 93, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Irv passed away peacefully at his home on February 18, 2024, surrounded by the memories of a life richly lived.
Irv was born May 5, 1930, in Bay City, Michigan, son of the late Benjamin and Rose Traines. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois (Bunny), with whom he shared a lifetime of love and happiness, his children, Phillip and Sharon, and his brother Robert (Bob), whose memories remain a source of comfort and peace. His legacy is carried on through his children, Stephen (Connie) Traines of Palm Bay, Florida, Deanne (Larry) Blodgett, of Weidman, Michigan, and David (Elizabeth) Traines of Traverse City, Michigan, who remember him as a father of immense integrity, determination, and humor. In addition to his seven grandchildren Alicia, Kristin, Michael, Paul, Emily, Megan, and Ben, and nine great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Sydney, Logan, Ethan, Lucas, Hudson, Wyatt, Raegan, and Becca. Irv is also survived by his sister Shirley, 99, who resides in Miami, Florida. He dedicated much of his life working in the family business, Ben Traines and Sons, which specialized in auto parts and heavy industrial equipment repair.
Prior to serving in the family business Irv served in the armed forces during the Korean conflict. He married Bunny on May 6, 1950 and built a life full of cherished moments, enduring friendships, and an unwavering commitment to his family, whom he guided with strength and kindness.  Irv spent many summers with family at the Benrose cottage in Houghton Lake, Michigan, creating lifelong memories of outdoor adventures fishing, boating, and  pulling family members of all ages on skis and tubes across the lake. Irv was an avid reader, always sitting in his recliner, immersed in a suspense or mystery novel. He also had a love for wood working and was a master craftsman. In his custom workshop, he mostly designed and built furniture, though he would also  take special requests from family, creating treasured pieces like tool boxes, bird houses, and more. Prior to Bunny's passing, they enjoyed traveling with friends to many international destinations such as New Zealand, China, United Kingdom,
and a Baltic cruise visiting Moscow and Saint Petersburg. For many years, he and Bunny were members of Central Michigan University (CMU) Century club,  where they enjoyed tailgating and going to the CMU football games.  A private ceremony will be held in his honor, where family and friends will gather  to celebrate his remarkable life. Irv's journey was one marked by resilience and wisdom. He approached every day with a sense of gratitude and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those around him. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew
him, but his spirit will forever live on in the love he shared and the lives he touched. We take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with his beloved Lois, Phillip, and Sharon. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him and a reminder of the beauty in a life well-lived.