Robert William "Bob" Traut

Robert William "Bob" Traut of Novi, MI and formerly of Battle Creek, MI


Bob, age 86, died Tuesday morning, May 31, 2016 at his home with his loving family at his side.

Bob, the son of Neil and Ruby (Hender) Traut, was born in Battle Creek on August 30, 1929 and was a 1947 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He served his Country honorably and nobly during the Korean War as a Sergeant in the United States Army with the Fifth Army, Company C, 2nd Engineering Battalion and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars. Bob retired in 1997 after 46 years of faithful service as an Accountant for United Steel & Wire Company and was a longtime member of the Battle Creek Bible Church. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States as well as Australia and was known to play a round of golf with family and friends whenever possible.

Bob was united in marriage to Luella Jean (nee: Fershee) in Battle Creek on September 13, 1952. Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Lu; two daughters, LuAnn (David) Warren of Walled Lake, Michigan and Karen Swanson of West Chicago, Illinois; his son, Michael Traut of Battle Creek, and two precious grandchildren, Emily (Hunter) Avis and Sam Warren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Duane Traut.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on Monday, June 6th at 10:00 a.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek with the Rev. Gary T. Cantrell, Pastor of the Gull Lake Bible Church, officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with the United States Army Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full military honors. Bob's family will greet friends on Sunday, June 5th from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's honor may be directed to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 1151, Battle Creek, MI 49016 or the Institute for Prison Ministries, Billy Graham Center, % Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187.