William Trayers Jr.

William J. Trayers Jr., 75, of Portage, Mich., passed away Thursday, April 23, 2009, at home. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Mass was today at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W. Centre St., Portage, Mich., with the Rev. Kevin Covert celebrant. Private interment of cremains was in Portage (Mich.) Central Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Kalamazoo (Mich.) Humane Society. Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave., Portage, Mich., was in charge of arrangements. William was born Feb. 5, 1934, in Kokomo, Ind., the son of William J. Sr. and Dolores (Kulow) Trayers. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Portage, Mich. William worked as a regional claims manager and retired from CIGNA Insurance Company. He had a generous spirit, was a huge Notre Dame fan and had a love for antique cars, country music and animals. He was a 1953 graduate of Effingham High School. William was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. Surviving are his children, William J. (Teresa) Trayers III, Susan (Steve) Leitz, Diane (Todd) Masters and Robert (Keri Tate) Trayers; grandchildren, Jordan, Alyssa and Jared Trayers, Jacob Trayers, Alexandra and Cameron Leitz and Nicholas and Peyton Masters; sister, Ann Clark; several nieces, nephews and friends; and beloved neighbors, Brian and Kristine Biddle. William was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Kay Trayers; son, John Trayers; sisters, Mary Louise Commodore and Dolores Kurtz; and an infant brother, James Trayer.