Obituary for Roy "Butch" R. Schrauben

Roy R. “Butch” Schrauben, age 80, of Portland, Michigan, passed away on August 13, 2025. He was born on November 12, 1944, to Herman and Bertha (Trierweiler) Schrauben and was raised in Portland. On June 18, 1966, Butch married the love of his life, Carolyn (Coady) Schrauben. Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Butch attended St. Patrick’s School, where he played baseball, basketball, and tennis, and graduated in 1962. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1962 to 1975. He began his career at the Bank of Lansing, which later became part of Manufacturer’s Bank and ultimately Comerica Bank. Specializing in commercial finance, he retired in 2006 as First Vice President after 35 years in banking.

Butch was a member of the Midway Optimist Club of Lansing, St. Patrick’s Church, where he served as an usher and sang in the choir, and American Legion Post 129, where he held many leadership positions and was named Legionnaire of the Year in 2024. He and Carolyn enjoyed spreading holiday cheer as Santa and Mrs. Claus for family and numerous organizations. Butch also enjoyed bowling, golf, scuba diving, and spending winters in Arizona. In recent years, he loved poker nights and exploring Michigan by motor home with his wife and granddaughters. Always ready to lend a hand, Butch will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, wit, and loving heart.

He is survived by his devoted wife Carolyn; daughter Tracy (Edward A.) Hengesbach; beloved granddaughters Erin, Alyssa, and Amanda Hengesbach; brother Michael (Bobbi) Schrauben; sisters-in-law Carole Schrauben, Rita Schrauben, Donna Schrauben, Janiece Steinke, Jeanette Denton, Rosemary Pyke, Evelyn Coady, and Patricia Coady; many nieces and nephews; and special friends across the country who enriched his life and provided the family with countless happy memories.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Herman Schrauben Jr., Gerald Schrauben, and Kenneth Schrauben; sisters Bernie Fitzmaurice and Janet Sutherland; brothers-in-law James Coady, Patrick Coady, Clarence Frost, Richard Steinke, Franklin “Mick” Denton, Donald Spreeman, and Lyle Pyke; and sisters-in-law Edith Frost and Anne Spreeman.

The Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland. Visitation is from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Lehman Funeral Homes, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. Donations in Roy’s honor can be made to Children’s Miracle Network. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.