Paul D. Trotter

Paul was born on November 22, 1943, in Escanaba, Mich., the son of John and Florence (Jewell) Trotter.

He graduated from Escanaba Area High School on June 7, 1962.

Paul served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Milwaukee from 1962-1965, where he met Lorene while she was working there in various jobs.

Paul was married to Lorene Kosovac on June 6, 1966 at St. John’s Cathedral, Milwaukee Wis. After a few years in the ‘big city’, they decided to move their young children to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, residing in Escanaba, his hometown, and closer to her hometown of Calumet. After his and Lorene’s retirement, they decided to move to Gladstone to be closer to their grandchildren.

He was a welder for many years, first at P&H in Escanaba, then later at Valmet/Sisu/Partek. He closed out his working years as a groundskeeper at the Irish Oaks golf course, which was adjacent to their house.

Some of his hobbies included following the Detroit and Michigan sports teams, camping with family and friends, golf with his circle of school chums, and hanging out with fellow members of the American Legion in Gladstone. One of the biggest influences on his two sons was his love for the music of Gordon Lightfoot.

Paul is survived by his wife, Lorene Trotter of Gladstone, Mich.; his children, John (Lisa) Trotter of Gladstone, Mich.; and Chris Trotter of Nellysford, Virginia; grandchildren Jaren (Alex) Trotter of Ishpeming, Mich.; and Ashlee Trotter of Arlington, Virginia; great-granddaughter, Parker Trotter of Ishpeming; siblings, John (Darlene) Trotter of Waukesha, Wis.; Jim Trotter of Rollingstone, Minn., and Mary (Bill) Klenz of Charlotte, N.C. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and in-laws.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, John and Florence; sister-in-law, Polly (Jim) Trotter; and one nephew.

A Celebration of Life honoring Paul will be held on Friday, September 8, at 2 p.m. at the Oak Bluff Community Center in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Trotter family. For more information or to express online condolences, please visit www.skradski funeral homes.com.