Robert 'Bob' Ernest Butler

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Robert "Bob" Ernest Butler, 74, of Ironwood Township, retired Ironwood banker, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy illness.

He was born July 1, 1941, in Belle River, Ontario, son of the late Thomas and Yvonne (Denomey) Butler of Belle River, and was preceded in death by his brothers, William and Maurice, and his sister, Dolores Butler McNally.

Bob was the dearly loved husband of Patricia "Pat" (Wrublewski) Butler; beloved father of Tracey Butler (Doug) Jardine, and Kevin (Dana) Butler; adored grandfather of Jessica (Jake) Jardine Sorensen, David Jardine, Isabella Butler, Rachel Jardine, Aidan Butler and Nathan Butler; and adored great-grandfather of Alexis and Brody Sorensen. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Mary G. Wrublewski; sister-in-law, Christine Butler; brothers-in-law, John McNally and David (Jeanne) Wrublewski; and six nieces and two nephews.

Growing up on the family farm in Belle River, Ontario, Bob was surrounded by a large and loving family. His formative years spent on the family farm instilled a life-long love of farming and nature. On Dec. 2, 1967, Bob married his lovely wife Patricia and moved to Detroit where they welcomed their two children, Tracey in 1968 and Kevin in 1970. In 1974, Bob moved the family to Plymouth and built a house, a home, and a career in banking.

In 1987, Bob moved to Ironwood to further his career in banking and pursue his love of the outdoors which included fishing, hunting, gardening and camping. In Ironwood, Bob built a solid reputation as a likable and trustworthy banker and friend to many.

Bob was a member and Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood as well as Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth. He was a member of Kiwanis in both Plymouth and Ironwood, and sat on several boards of directors and helped develop many community projects. Bob was a good businessman and sought to make a personal connection and help as many people as he could. He spent summers at Lake Gogebic camping and fishing - his favorite spot after retirement. He cherished his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and found great joy in mentoring and watching them develop into caring and compassionate individuals.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.

Luncheon will follow in the parish hall.

Serving as pallbearers will be Aidan Butler, David Jardine, Jake Sorensen, Jim Seabury, Don Hakkinen, Larry Talkowski, Darryl Johnson and Red D'Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hope Lodge, 611 W. Doege St., Marshfield, WI 54449.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Online condolences may be expressed at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.