Final Salute

John W. Butler, 89, of Niagara, Wis. passed away Friday, July 8, 2022, at Maryhill Manor in Niagara.

He was born June 26, 1933, in Bath, Maine son of the late Joseph and Helen Butler. His early years were spent growing up in Bath, Maine where he had many fond memories. John then joined the Navy in 1949 serving until 1954. While in the Navy he attended Machinist Mates School in Chicago, and this is where he met his future wife Patsy. John and Patricia Wright were married in Iron Mountain, in 1952 and then relocated back to the east coast where he finished his Naval career.

During his naval career, John served in the Korean War and was extremely proud to have been a Navy Seabee. While in the Navy he had the opportunity to serve on the same ship as his father, the USS Bennington. Upon leaving his military service he and Patsy moved back to Patsy’s hometown of Iron Mountain where they began to raise their family. In 1967 they moved to Niagara, where they resided for the remainder of their lives.

Becoming involved in the community the couple became proud, dedicated members of the Niagara American Legion Post #136 where John served as the commander for many years. He was instrumental in making sure veterans were acknowledged for their military service by participating at veteran’s funerals along with Memorial and Veteran’s Day programs, both locally and in the surrounding communities.

One of the highlights and honors of John and Pat’s service to the community was when they were chosen as Mr. and Mrs. Niagara.

John’s favorite pastime was spending time at camp with his buddies and a good card game with an old-fashioned. He kept active in the community playing in the local softball league and he played until he was 60. He served Niagara as their local mailman until his retirement, always having a penny candy for kids or a dog bone for pets.

John and Pat as a couple were extremely dedicated to spending time with their family and never said no or missed any of their grandkids’ activities whether it be a kindergarten program or a sporting event. Family time and get-together was the focus of their life.

John is survived by his three children, Beth Molle (Mike Massie), Robert (Julie) Butler, and Denise (Tom) Hurzeler, all of Niagara; nine grandchildren, Matthew (Amber) Molle, Jason (Erin) Molle, Melissa (Kyle) Anderson, Brian (Chelsea) Hurzeler, Brad (Rachael) Butler, Christine (Brian) Stec, Katie (Bryan) Thomson, Rachel (Mike) Reas, Elizabeth (Ryan) Gerek, and 20 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joellen Amero of California and one sister-in-law, Beverly Wright of Kingsford. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and special friends: Terry Sweig, Timmy VanHulla, Mike LeQuia, and all of his camp buddies.

John was preceded in death by his wife Patricia; his son, Dan, daughter-in-law; Melody Butler, son-in-law, Gary Molle; and a brother, Henry Butler.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2022, from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church in Niagara. The memorial service will be Wednesday at 11 a.m., at the church. Pastor Debra Spira will officiate.

Burial will take place in the Niagara Cemetery. The American Legion Post 136, of Niagara, and the American Legion Post 50, of Iron Mountain, will accord Full Military Honors at the graveside.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to John’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home-Niagara Chapel of Niagara, Wis., to honor John’s legacy of life.