Kenneth Joseph Butz, 89, De Pere, formerly of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2018 at Rennes Nursing Home. Ken was born to Frank and Amanda (Holzmann) Butz on May 31, 1928 in St. Cloud, WI. Ken was the sixth of eight children, six boys and two girls and was raised on a farm. He was a graduate of Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac and later was in the U.S. Navy.
Ken married Sylvia Bieri on June 24, 1950 at St. Mary's Church in Fond du Lac, WI. They raised three children together. He spent his life working and building the family businesses, Royal Cleaners and Bay Towel Linen & Uniform Rental. Ken was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in De Pere and the Kiwanis Club of De Pere where he participated in many volunteer activities. As a way of recognizing his significant contributions, Ken received the George F. Hixson Fellowship Award from Kiwanis International. He also enjoyed many years as a long time member at Oneida Golf & Country Club.
Ken and Sylvia spent almost three decades living in Naples. There, Ken was a member of Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church and Countryside Country Club. Ken will always be remembered for his signature smile and easy-going nature.
Survivors include his son Kurt (Shari) Butz of Navarre, FL; daughter Claudia (Tim) Polack of De Pere, WI; and two grandchildren, Maxwell and Madison Polack. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law Ellie (Francis) Butz, Karen (Gerald) Butz, and Roseann (Roy) Butz and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia, parents Frank and Amanda, daughter Diane, and all of his siblings: Olive (Clem) Simon, Donald (Joy), Gordon (Iola), Francis, Roy (Gladys), Donna Mae (Albert) Frank, and Gerald.
Friends may call at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ledgeview after 9:00 AM on Thursday, March 22, 2018. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday with Father Richard Getchel officiating. Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery in De Pere. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.
A special thank you to Dr. Cynthia Lasecki and Rennes Nursing Home for the great care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Mary Catholic Church in De Pere and to the Tuition Assistance Fund at Notre Dame de la Baie Academy in Green Bay.
