Kenneth G. Butterfield

Age 78, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, April 24, 2004 at Cherry Meadows Hospice with his family and pastor at his side. Ken was born in Merrill, Wisconsin on January 9, 1926, son of the late Gerald and Adelia (Hoffman) Butterfield. While attending high school in 1944, Ken was drafted into the United States Marine Corps, served during World War II, and was currently a member of the Johnston Blessman Post #38 of the American Legion. Aboard ship enroute to China on the Pacific Ocean, the ship’s captain baptized Ken. After his discharge in 1946, Ken returned to Neenah High School and received his diploma. For forty-four years, he was employed by American Can Company, now known as Pechiney. He retired in 1991. In 1952, Ken married the love of his life, Joyce Scheibe of Appleton at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Appleton. God blessed them with fifty-one wonderful years together. Ken was a longtime and faithful member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, serving for many years as an usher and a greeter. He was a member of the Neenah – Menasha Retired Men’s Fellowship Club and the Neenah YMCA “YNOTS” singing group. As a member of the YNOTS, he entertained countless groups and organizations over the years. In addition to singing, Ken enjoyed fishing, working in his yard, and being outdoors by a good fire. He was an avid sports fan and never missed a Packer game. His greatest pleasures were spending time with family and friends, and offering help to others.

Ken is survived by his wife: Joyce Butterfield of Appleton; two daughters: Tami (Ron) Schurer of Appleton and Lisa (George) DeBruin of Sherwood and their daughter Breanna. Other survivors include many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by sisters Eleanor, Phyllis, and Marion.

Funeral services for Ken will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday April 28, 2004 at ST. PAUL EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 302 N. Morrison Street in Appleton with Rev. Ralph C. Waack officiating. Interment with military honors provided by the members of Johnston Blessman Post # 38 of the American Legion will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 – 8 PM Tuesday and again Wednesday at the church from 10 AM until the hour of the services.

God saw that he was getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around him and whispered, “Come with me.” With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and saw him fade away, and though we loved him dearly we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands to rest; God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and special thanks to the staff at the Appleton Medical Center and to the Hospice at Cherry Meadows for helping us through this difficult time.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.c