Michael Joseph Trailer

Michael Joseph Trailer, otherwise affectionately known as “Mikey” or ”Captain Chaos” passed away on October 22, 2021 at the age of 66. Mike was born on April 5, 1955 in Livonia, Michigan to Thomas and Marilyn Trailer. In October, 1968 the family moved to Traverse City where his father, Thomas wanted them to have a better life up north. Mike graduated in 1973 from Traverse City High School. Mike was a volunteer fireman and first responder at Station 11. He then went on to Davenport University to pursue Paramedicine. Mike was employed by County Ambulance, Grand Traverse EMS, North Flight EMS, Blair Township EMS, Glen Lake EMS, and Benzie County EMS for a total of 40+ years. He retired in 2019. Mike was also employed by his family owned business Rite Way Heating and Cooling from 1979-2008. After retiring from Benzie County EMS he always stayed busy in his community. This led him to Uber, Cherry Capital Cab, Grand Traverse Distribution, and Designated Driver TC. Mike was known for what some may call, obsessive tidiness, his dry sense of humor, and excitability. His Mom said that when he was a child- whenever he heard sirens, he would run down to the street corner to see what was going on. In addition to ambulance chasing as a kid he used to write his brother Wayne speeding tickets for riding too fast on his bicycle. Mike was always happy to help with household projects and took pride in any work he did. He never seemed to mind when he got a phone call to help with a random project. Staying busy helping others was truly Mike’s hobby and made him so happy and accomplished. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Marilyn Trailer, half-brother Curtis Merril, half-sister Lynn Isenhauer, and half-sister JoAnn Grutze-Kroll. Mike is survived by his son, Christopher Michael (Shannon)Trailer; daughter Cara Danielle (Kevin) York; grandchildren, Stella York, June York, Lillian Trailer, and Liam Trailer; brother Wayne Trailer (Lori); nephews Benjamin Trailer (Jessica) and Cameron Trailer; great nieces and nephews Everett Trailer, Eleanor Trailer, and Ezekiel Trailer; and his significant other, Nancy Bigley. Mike also leaves behind many more beloved nieces and nephews and other family members including half-brother Tommy Trailer (Dena), half-sister Judith Trailer, and half-sister Jackie De’Amour (Leon). Visitation will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 at Reynolds Jonkhoff from 2:00pm-7:00pm. The funeral will also be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning one hour prior. A graveside service will be following at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. The luncheon will then take place at Station 11 on Veteran’s Drive. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mike Trailer’s Family or to The Grand Traverse Region First Responder Alliance housed at 897 Parsons Road, Traverse City. This nonprofit is open to all first responders. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with Mike’s family.

Michael Joseph Trailer

April 5, 1955 - October 22, 2021