Robert J. Traines

Bob Traines face would light up when he talked about his favorite topics: working with machines, riding in various types of transport vehicles (cars, boats, motorhomes, and trucks), and bragging about his wifes sculptures. The subject that was closest to his heart, however, was his beloved family. Bob took great pride in the accomplishments of his family members, and dedicated his life to providing for those he loved. Bobs quiet strength, honesty, and genuine concern for others will live on in the hearts and memories of all those whose lives he touched; he was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed. In the United States, the Roaring Twenties were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. Robert Jacob was born in the middle of this exciting decade, on July 8, 1926, and shared his birth year with such notable events as the first talkie movie, the introduction of the 40-hour workweek, and the invention of the aerosol spray. Bobs proud parents, Benjamin and Rose (Rubin) Traines, brought the newest member of their family home to Bay City, Michigan. It wasnt long, however, before the family moved to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, where Bob would spend most of his childhood and teenage years. After graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1943, Bob decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy. He enlisted in 1944, during World War II, and served as a 2nd Machinist Mate for the next two years. Stationed in the Philippines, Bobs duties included maintaining equipment on a minesweeper and in machine shops. One story Bob liked to tell of his time in the service took place on a dark night on a deserted island in the Philippines. Bob was starting a guard duty shift, and took a flashlight and a gun from the guard he was relieving. Bob settled in for a long night, sitting down and resting the butt of his gun on the ground. Little did he know that the previous guard had neglected to lock the guns safety! The gun immediately fired, scaring the heck out of Bob and alerting the land-base personnel across the waterway. Bob was honorably discharged in 1946, and returned home safe and sound to Michigan. He attended classes at CMU for one year, and then went to work at his familys auto parts store, Ben Traines and Sons. He met a young lady by the name of Rose Wunderbaum through his cousin, Eugene, who was married to Roses sister, Fannie. They thought Bob and Rose would be perfect for each other, and they were right! Bob and Rose fell in love, and were married on June 25, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan. As the years went by, Bob and Rose were blessed with two daughters, whom they name Claudia and Monica. In addition to working at the auto parts store for 35 years, Bob also supported his family by working as a realtor for four years. Later, he would go on to own and operate Mt. Pleasant Salvage and Steel for 35 years, where he worked alongside his father-in-law, Louis, and brother-in-law, Sam. Every now and then, Bob would thrill the girls by bringing home an empty refrigerator box from a local furniture store on the way home from work. The girls would create everything from rocket ships to cars and boats from the box and then, when it was literally flattened from use, use it as a slide on the hill in the backyard. When Bob came home in the evening after a full day of work, he would often kiss Rose on the cheek, drop all his stuff in the house, and then join her in the studio to help with her metal sculptures. It didnt matter that dinner could be ready anytime from 6 to 11 p.m. Rose always said her cooking tasted better when Bob had to wait for it! Being Roses assistant was sometimes a dangerous job: one evening, while helping Rose grind some metal, Bob pushed the hot motor of the grinder against his chest. Unbeknownst to Bob, his shirt started to smolder and burn. Rose spotted the smoke, however, and proceeded to shoot him in the stomach with the garden hose that was always nearby, successfully quenching the fire. In his free time, Bob enjoyed researching and owning motor homes, reading, and spending time with his extended family, which included a beloved shared pet, Ziggy. Bob was also active in his community, and belonged to the Shriners Organization, the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, and the Order of Masons, and was a past president of Temple Benjamin in Mt. Pleasant. He supported the arts as well, and volunteered his time at Art Reach of Mid-Michigan. Bob took great pride in his childrens, grandchildrens, and great-grandchildrens accomplishments, and many of the happiest moments of his golden years were those spent with family. He loved visiting family members, seeing their photos, and hearing their stories. Closer to home, Bob enjoyed walking, washing and polishing the vehicles, and riding their childrens pontoon boat at a nearby lake. He also took great joy in his wifes artwork, and was her number one promoter and fan. Even when he was ill, Bob found the strength to comment on and compliment her devotion to her work, which brought so much laughter and so many smiles to others. Gentle and quiet, honest and strong, Bob was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Mr. Robert Jacob Bob Traines passed away on June 8, 2013, at the age of 86. Bobs family includes his wife of 64 years, Rose Wunderbaum Traines of Mt. Pleasant; his daughters, Claudia (Yaron) Lang of Mt. Pleasant and Monica (Peter) Martin of Colorado; his grandchildren, Elon (Jessica) Lang, Dov (Mallory) Lang, Kendall (Carey) Ryerson and Nolan (Chrissy) Martin; his great-grandchildren, Isadora, Penelope and Ari Lang, Cale Ryerson, and Alyssa Martin; his special sister-in-law, Fannie Wunderbaum Traines of Mt. Pleasant; his brother-in-law, Sam Wunderbaum of Henderson, NV; and his special friend, Ken Henick of Mt. Pleasant. Bobs funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, at Lux Family Life Story Funeral Home, with Rabbi Amy Bigman of Shaarey Zedek officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an education fund for Bobs great-grandchildren (checks made payable to the Traines Family, 2300 S. Lincoln Rd., Mt. Pleasant), or to the Isabella County Medical Care Facility. Please visit Bobs personal memory page at www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.