William "Bill" Butler, 88, De Pere, passed away on the morning of Friday, November 28, 2025.He was born at home in Berlin, WI. on July 10, 1937, to the late Robert J. and Delores H. (Himmler) Butler.

Bill graduated from Berlin High School where he was a standout athlete. He then went to play football at University of Chattanooga.

Bill was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 19th round of the 1959 draft.

Bill played for the Packers in 1959, the Dallas Cowboys in 1960, the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1961, and finished his career with the Minnesota Vikings from 1962 – 1964.

Bill was united in marriage to Deborah Cournoyer on September 1, 1989. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, De Pere.

Bill is survived by his wife Deborah, his children; Rick Butler, Jeffrey Butler, William (Helen) Butler, and Kim Jurkovac. Grandchildren; Rhett (Shannon) Butler, Ben Butler, Annie Butler, Jeffrey Butler, Olivia Butler, as well as his brother Jack (Mary) Butler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter – in – law Teena Butler, and half sister Kathryn A. Greffer.

Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 1305 Lourdes Ave., De Pere on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 10:30AM until a private Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM with Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family.

For an oral history given by Bill, please go to

www.Thegamebeforethemoney.com episode 62.