Final Salute

David William Butkovich went home to be with his Heavenly Father on September 20, 2023. He was surrounded by loving and dedicated family members.

David was born in Laurium, Michigan on February 1, 1942, to parents William Joseph and Ruth E. Biekkola Butkovich. A graduate of Calumet High School Class of 1959 and of Michigan College of Mining and Technology, currently Michigan Technical University, Houghton, MI, Class of 1963. David received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating from college, David enlisted as a Commissioned Officer in The United States Navy and completed Civil Engineer Corps Officers School in 1964. He was stationed at the U.S. Naval Station in Long Beach, California and at the U.S. Naval Reserve Manpower Center in Bainbridge, Maryland and served until 1970. David received the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, David continued his career in civil engineering. Some of his most notable accomplishments are his work with Disney Corporation’s Animal Kingdom and Euro Disney in Paris, France.

David served as a scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America and was an active member in The Orlando Jeep Club and The Orlando Ham Radio Club.

David is predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Bruce Joseph Butkovich and Donald Francis Butkovich, and a dear nephew who left too soon, Ryan Bessolo.

David is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patricia M. Butkovich, six children and stepchildren: Lisa A. Butkovich Rowland of North Dakota, Brian D. Butkovich of Florida, Bruce B. Butkovich, Bradley J. Butkovich, Peter A. Elenbaas and Daniel M. Elenbaas, all of Georgia, and two sisters, Dianne Butkovich Johnson and husband Ted, and Laurel Butkovich Bessolo and husband Michael, and sister-in-laws Mary Kane Butkovich, wife of Bruce J, Paula Hoover, and Pauline Strong, both of Texas. David’s family includes five nieces and nephews, seventeen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

A private family service will be held in Michigan at a later date.