WILLIAM RAYMOND BUTCH

William is survived by his son, William T. Butch (Hoa) of Grand Haven, Mich.; son Michael Butch (Pat) of Wellston, Okla.; daughter Elizabeth Butch (Scott Snyder) of Cordova, Tenn.; son James Butch (Brenda) of Alpena, Mich.; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Preceding William in death was his beloved wife of 64.5 years, Josephine B. Butch, three sons Mark, Daniel and David and his three sisters and four brothers. Bill was born on Oct. 5, 1923 to the late Katia (Bodnar) and William Butch in Bentley, Mich. The seventh of eight siblings (brothers Walter, Steven, Peter and Harold, and sisters Ann, Helene, and Mary), he completed eighth grade before joining his father and brothers in the family produce business (Consolidated Fruit Distributors) working extremely long hours buying produce from farmers across the state and selling it to local grocery stores and other customers. Eventually the business expanded, and he drove the company semi truck to transport depots in Detroit and Grand Rapids to buy produce from around the world and transported it back for delivery in northern Michigan. These experiences early in life taught him the value of hard work and instilled a strong sense of family that he would eventually pass along to his children. Bill served in the Army 205th Infantry Battalion during World War II (1942-1495), serving concurrently with three of his brothers (Peter, Steven and Harold) and sister Helene. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. He served for 18 months as acting Platoon Sergeant in a training company and rifle instructor. He received one battle star and a good conduct medal before his honorable discharge in December of 1945.

On May 29, 1948 he married Josephine Nabozna who would be his partner and the love of his life for the next 64.5 years until her death in 2012. Bill and Josie lived in Standish for a time, but eventually moved to Au Gres where they raised their family at their home on Whitestone Point. The couple eventually moved part-time to Alpena to run Consolidated Fruit Distributors with their sons James and Daniel, although the entire family pitched in as needed. William finally “retired” in 2009 at the age of 85, turning the business over to James and his family.

Bill was a very friendly and gregarious person, often striking up conversations with complete strangers in the grocery stores to give produce advice and pointing out the best deals. He served as chief public relations spokesman for the business and had many friends among the local farmers across Michigan and the other business owners in Alpena. Bill and Josie were longtime members of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Au Gres, Mich and St. John the Baptist Church in Alpena, Mich. Bill was an active member of the V.F.W. and Knights of Columbus; hosting church breakfasts and catering the annual K. of C. venison dinner for many years with Josie cooking and the younger children waiting tables. He was a ravenous news buff and liked to read historical books and biographies. He also loved spending time with friends and family and grilling out, even in the winter. He was an extremely active person well into his 90s, hardworking, a dedicated husband and father, and a good friend to many. He will be missed!

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 30 from 2-6 p.m. followed by a brief prayer service at McWilliams Funeral Home, Alpena, Mich. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 1 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Au Gres, Mich followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Kowalczk officiating. Interment will be at the Resurrection of the Lord Cemetery in Standish, Mich. To view Bill’s life story please visit www.lifestorynet.com or sign the online guest book at www.mcwilliamsfh.com