Ivan Duane "Buck" Lumbert

Ivan "Buck" Duane Lumbert, age 90, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, after a short illness. Buck was born on June 6th, 1935, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Archie and Letha (Heaven) Lumbert.

Buck served his country in the Army during the Korean War. He worked as a machinist for most of his life and spent his retirement working in his home workshop building custom autoharps, repairing stringed instruments, and restoring machinery. He considered himself a Luthier. He had a knack for remembering details and events, enjoyed reading historical books, and was quite proficient on the computer for his age. Buck liked spinning tales or poems and recalling stories from his childhood and long life. He loved taking car rides with his wife, Lois, and reminiscing about places they had visited. Over his lifetime, he dabbled in photography, mountain music, guitar playing, woodworking, muzzle-loading, tinkering, flying, and an endless desire to learn.

The day after being discharged from the Army, he married his sweetheart, Lois Ann Young, on July 7, 1956, in Springfield, Missouri. They began their married life in Mesick, Michigan, and over the years lived in Arcadia, Perry, Copemish, and, for the last 45 years, on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City.

Together, they built a long life of nearly 70 years and were true soulmates. They shared a bond that only lifelong best friends and lovers could create, complementing each other with their strengths and supporting each other through the best of times and the tough times.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Letha (Heaven) Lumbert; a son, Danny Lumbert; and all five of his siblings.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lois (Young) Lumbert, and his two daughters, Donna Ray and Debra (Mark) MacEachern. Three grandchildren, Amy MacEachern, Rebecca (Jeremy) Maue, and Kyle (Kiowa) Ray. Two great-grandchildren, Hunter Maue and Kylyn Ray. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place. Donations can be made in his name to the Cherryland Humane Society.