Service Information
Michael J. Butler, age 77, of Lake Erie, Ellsworth Township, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel.
Military Honors by Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Obituary
Michael James Butler was born on November 25, 1945, in Willmar, Minnesota. He was the only child born to James and Vivian (Magnuson) Butler. He graduated from Willmar High School in 1963. During Mike’s school years, he participated in football, little league baseball, and church league basketball. His most memorable moment in sports was the football game where he scored four touchdowns and four extra points, which gave him the most points in his conference.
Mike enlisted in the United States Marines Corps on August 15, 1966, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and completed Basic Training at Camp Pendleton. He was proud of his service to his country. Mike was honorably discharged on August 3, 1972, at Camp Pendleton, California.
Mike met the love of his life, Paula Lindquist, in high school at the age of 15. On June 13, 1964, they were united in marriage on Eagle Lake at Paula’s parents’ home. This marriage was blessed with five children, Michele, Todd, Allison, Matthew, and Jamie. Mike and Paula resided north of Hutchinson, Minnesota, on Lake Erie, for the past 50 years. They shared 58 years of marriage.
Mike mastered the skill of meat cutting and began his career with Paula’s dad, Milner, in Willmar. He continued his career at various grocery stores in Hutchinson including Red Owl, Warehouse Grocery, and SuperValu until he joined the union at Rainbow Foods. Mike worked at several locations in the Twin Cities area for many years until he retired. Post retirement, he continued to work part time at Cash Wise in Hutchinson. He enjoyed his co-workers and was known for bringing laughter to the workplace with his humorous antics. Mike also enjoyed serving the people in his hometown, he was a hard worker, and did a great job as a provider for his family.
Mike loved spending time with family and friends out at the lake. They viewed their spot on the lake as a little piece of heaven. He also developed a circle of neighbors that offered support and friendship. Mike was proud of his children and grandchildren and spent time attending and watching their sporting events and activities. Some of his favorite memories revolve around hunting and fishing with his sons, grandsons, “outlaws”, and closest friends. The stories are endless.
Mike passed away peacefully on April 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson.
Blessed be his memory.
Mike is survived by his:
Wife, Paula Butler of Darwin, MN;
Children, Michele “Missy” Butler and her significant other, Dale Hanson of Sun City, AZ,
Todd Butler of New Braunfels, TX,
Allison Heilman and her husband, Dustin of Hutchinson, MN,
Matthew Butler and his wife, Deb of Waconia, MN;
Grandchildren, Sam Hanson (Nicole), Morgan Butler-Fluth (Matthew Gruenenwold), Josie Butler-Fluth, Justine Heilman, Jillian Heilman, Lydia Heilman, Lukas Heilman, Brody Butler, Ben Butler, Oliver Butler;
Great-grandchildren, Holly Hanson and Kevin Boyd Fluth Jr.;
Many other relatives and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his Infant Son, Jamie Butler; Parents, James and Vivian Butler; Father and Mother-in-law, Milner and Phyllis Lindquist; Son-in-law, Kevin Fluth; Father of son-in-law Dustin, Douglas Heilman.
Sue and John says
Dear Paula, Todd, Missy, Allison, Matt and families,
Our hearts are broken with the passing of Mike. He was the best neighbor and friend for more than 44 years.
We will miss his gentle spirit and warm smile.
Our little Lake Erie neighborhood won’t be the same without him.
Mike was so proud of all of you.
Peace to you all, Sue and John Bahr
Lauren (Hammer) Schloeder says
Paula and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He always made working at Cash Wise fun, even though he did hide in the produce cooler and jump out and scare me. I have many good memories of him and will be thinking of you all during this time.
Jerry and Sandy (Froemming) Wright says
Paula and family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find comfort in knowing that Mike is with his Lord and Savior. We will keep you in our prayers. Take care and God Bless. Sandy
Gladys Radtke says
Sincere sympathy to you and your family, Paula
ron anderson says
I remember working with Mike at Del Farm, in Crossroads Center at St. Cloud. He was FUN, made work more enjoyable and liked to talk about being a Willmar Cardinal; if I remember correctly his high school nickname was Boom Boom Butler. Haven’t seen Mike for many years but still remember him fondly.
Willy & Renee Wendorff says
Deepest Sympathy to you Paula and your family
Bonnie Knorr says
So sorry for your loss
Mike was always a fun person to visit with. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know
Prayers for the whole family!
Sue Pederson says
Dear Paula,
Larry (Leighton) and I were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Larry and Sue Soderlund Pederson
Paula Inselmann says
Missy and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, Your Family has Our
Deepest Sympathy.
Jacqueline says
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you!
Cheryl (Froemming) Reece says
My deepest sympathies as you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I have very fond memories spending time out on Lake Erie. My brother, Mark, also shared lots of fun times growing up with Todd. May you feel God’s loving arms around you giving you peace and comfort knowing Mike is in the most beautiful place for all eternity.
Claire Westerberg Lorinser says
My sympathies to you Paula and your family. Prayers.?
Grace and Gene Chrast says
Dustin and Allison and family. Please accept our deepest sympathies in the recent loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom Rainsberry says
Once a MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE, the best of the best, I was honored to have Mike as a close friend, as well as a fellow Marine. I loved all the times we would reminisce of ole days and future days. He was also, so proud of his family, hunting friends, and the love of life, which will be forever contagious.
Semper Fi Tom/RYDR
Gene Ebnet says
I’m sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I worked with Mike at Super Valu in Hutchinson in the meat department. He’s someone you never forget.
Heidi Tucker (Schmid) says
Oh Paula and your whole family I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of you and your family I loved babysitting for you Paula, we were so blessed having you as our neighbor out at the lake! Mike seemed so quiet and shy to me but I was pretty young at the time. I’m sure he will be missed. Praying for you and your family for peace and comfort knowing he’s being cared and loved by our Lord.