Obituary of Michael Dean Trader

Michael Dean Trader, 64, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, after a courageous six-month battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He was born and raised in Raytown, Missouri and graduated from Raytown High School. Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ottawa University in Kansas City. His career spanned numerous esteemed companies, including Hallmark, United Telephone System, Sprint, MasterCard, and Bank of America, where he retired as a highly respected project manager. His colleagues described him as a remarkable leader, teammate, and friend.

Michael was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks. He cherished his time in Florida with family and friends and found great joy in the companionship of his beloved dogs, Coco and Bella. Michael loved spending time with his church community and also enjoyed helping international students integrate into the University of Iowa.

On August 4, 2024, Michael married Robin, the love of his life. Though their time together was brief, they both recognized that they had discovered true love and were building a beautiful life together.

Michael is survived by his wife, Robin (Detweiler) Trader; his daughter Laura (Jerry) Sanford and their children, Toni and Dylan; his daughter Rachael Trader; his sister Marilyn (Clint) Eidson; and his sister-in-law Donna Trader, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents William and Hulda Dee (Forth) Trader; his identical twin brother Mark Trader; his brother Max Trader; and Max’s beloved wife Melissa (Wilkerson) Trader.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Grace Community Church, 2707 Dubuque Street, North Liberty, Iowa. In accordance with Michael’s wishes, his body has been donated to the Cleveland Clinic Body Donation Program, and he will be cremated. In honor of his memory, his wife Robin plans to spread his ashes across the United States on a journey they had dreamed of taking together.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and hospice team at the Cleveland Clinic for their compassionate care.

Michael, a beacon of kindness and love, will forever reside in our hearts. His legacy will endure, reminding us that we can shape our attitudes and choose to live lives filled with meaningful acts of love and service, just as Jesus Christ showed us.