Trace Andrew Rose
Trace Andrew Rose, 23, of Saginaw, died peacefully at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The son of Brandon and Teresa (Kelner) Rose, Trace was born in Saginaw January 28, 2003.
Trace began attending the Millet Learning Center in Saginaw when he was just 3 years old, and it quickly became one of the great joys of his life. He loved going to school and looked forward to riding the bus each day. Over the years, he formed many friendships and was deeply loved by the staff and many of his classmates, particularly several of the girls. During his 20 years at Millet, Trace became something of a celebrity, known for his bright spirit, his kindness and his great hair. Some of his happiest moments were spent swimming in the pool and enjoying music, especially when his instructors played “Brown Eyed Girl” which always made Trace very excited. Throughout his time there, Trace received many awards, including those for attendance, kindness and of course – best hair! Trace certainly brought much joy and warmth to everyone at the Millet Center.
Trace found joy in the simple things that brought him comfort and wonder, his favorite blankets and stuffed animals, music and his giraffes. In many ways, giraffes were much like Trace: unique, gentle and unforgettable. One very treasured memory was watching him feed the giraffes at the Detroit Zoo. He also loved the magic of colorful lights projected onto the ceiling and had a playful daredevil spirit, especially when speed was involved. Whether he was riding on the bass boat or the pontoon, Trace loved the feeling of going fast. Many family trips became lovingly known as “Tracecations,” planned around the things that made him happiest, days at the beach, swimming and boating. Nothing soothed Trace quite like a swim, and no part of the day was more special than bedtime. Each night, Trace looked forward to being tucked in by his daddy, a tender routine they called “daddy tucker,” and he loved hearing he was “so snuggly, so buggly and so safe” every night. One of the sweetest comforts of his life was kisses and snuggles from his mom.
Trace grew up surrounded by a deeply loving family and cousins who adored him. They snuggled with him, sang to him, read him stories, and filled his days with comfort and happiness. More than cousins, they were his protectors, his entertainment, and his built-in best friends. In return, Trace left an immeasurable mark on all of them, teaching his family patience, acceptance and above all, compassion. His influence was especially meaningful to his big brother, Carson, whose love for Trace helped inspire him to pursue a career in nursing.
Remarkable from the very beginning, Trace was not expected to have a long life, but he proved every expectation wrong. Surrounded by the incredible love and care of his family, he not only lived for 23 years, he thrived, touching countless lives along the way. Trace was a fighter in every sense, strong, resilient, and brave, facing each day with “toughedness” that inspired everyone who knew him. He will forever be remembered for that strength, for his love of kisses and snuggles, and for the quiet, powerful way he taught others what unconditional love truly looks like. As one quote so
Trace leaves his parents, Brandon and Teresa Rose, of Saginaw; a brother, Carson (Ciara) Rose, of Saginaw; grandmother, Rosalie Rose of Onaway; grandparents, Gary and Sue Kelner, of Onaway; and an aunt, Tina (Chad) Glazier of Pellston. Also surviving are Mammie Carolyn Robbins of Onaway; cousins, Cameron, Meredith and Marlayna; as well as many other great-aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his Millet Center family.
Trace was preceded in death by his grandfather, Eric Rose.
A celebration of Trace’s life was held Sunday, August 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cottage on Black Lake, 21912 Bonz Beach Hwy., Onaway. Those wishing to honor Trace’s memory may consider making a donation to the Millet Learning Center, c/o Brandon and Teresa Rose.
