Paul D. Trotter, age 79, of Gladstone, Michigan passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Paul was born on November 22, 1943, in Escanaba, MI, 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 WI. 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 & 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 & Michigan sports teams, camping with family & 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, MI; his children, John (Lisa) Trotter of Gladstone, MI; and Chris Trotter of Nellysford, VA; grandchildren Jaren (Alex) Trotter of Ishpeming, MI; and Ashlee Trotter of Arlington, VA; great-granddaughter Parker Trotter of Ishpeming; siblings John (Darlene) Trotter of Waukesha, WI; Jim Trotter of Rollingstone, MN, and Mary (Bill) Klenz of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by numerous nieces & 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, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Oak Bluff Community Center in Gladstone.
Lois & John pinar - Escanaba, Mi
Lorene and family my heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. May the lord be with all of you holding your hands to help with difficult times. RIPpaul
James O’Toole - Fairfield Glade, Tn
Paul was one of the good guys. A great sense of humor and always smiling. My thoughts and prayers for Paul, Lorene and the boys are with them.
Jerry and Tammy Hanson - Escanaba , MI
Lorene and family,
Our deepest condolences.
Good memories of our trips to the football games and getting together over here in the Michigan Room with Roy, Mike, and Gary.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary & Becky Lehman - Escanaba, MI
Our sincere condolences to Lorene, John, Chris and the entire family. Paul was such a great guy, that was full of life and a good friend. May he Rest in Peace and enjoy the wings he’s earned. Soar high my friend and enjoy looking over your family!
Lynn Liebel - Escanaba, MI
Lorene, John and Chris,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you during this most difficult time. May you find Peace and Comfort in the days to come.
Lynn, Shelly and Kevin Liebel
Delta Animal Shelter - Escanaba, MI
Dear Trotter Family, all of us at the Animal Shelter would like to express our deepest sympathy and prayers for your family at this time.
Sincerely,
Delta Animal Shelter and Friends
Shelly Fish - Escanaba, MI
Lorene, John and Chris,
Our thoughts and prayers to all of you during this most difficult time.
May you find Peace and Comfort in the days to come
Lynn, Shelly and Kevin Liebel
Sommer Flores - Savannah, TX
Paul was a great friend to my dad, Ron Gauthier. When my dad first moved back to the U.P he moved down the street from Paul and Lorene. Paul and my father went to high school together and had not stayed in touch, but became close friends as soon as my dad moved to the Oaks. Paul would go see my dad everyday and check in on him. They spent lots of time together at the American Legion drinking and catching up. When my dad got sick, Paul and Lorene checked in on him everyday. When I came to visit, Paul always stopped by to give me a hug and see how things were going in my life. Paul was one of a kind and im so sad to hear of his passing. I am so thankful my dad had Paul as a neighbor and friend. His compassion towards my family will always be remembered and cherished.