Charles M. Butler

Charles M. Butler passed away peacefully Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Bortz Health Care in West Branch. Charles was born February 2, 1917 in West Branch the son of Margaret (Sullivan) and William Butler. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in 1934. Charles served in the U.S. Army during WW II as a Staff Sergeant with Company G, 7th Infantry. He served in the Rhineland Central Europe Campaign receiving the American Defense Service Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the European African Middle East Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, a World War II Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Charles married the former Hazel Robinson on October 5, 1946. He worked for Gildner’s Lumber Yard, Fletcher Oil Company and managed Boutell Ranch for 37 years. Charles loved the outdoors, deer hunting, ice fishing, playing cards and Detroit Tiger baseball games. Charles is survived by his wife Hazel of West Branch, children, John (Patricia) Butler and Renee (Tom) Ryland both of West Branch, grandchildren; Tracey Ryland and Anthony (Mary Jo) Ryland both of West Branch, Michael (Jesse) Butler of Stockbridge and Melissa (Blaine) VanPelt of Kingsley, great-grandchildren; Corbin Ryland and Paityn and Blaine VanPelt. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Dan Stoneback will officiate. Memorial Contributions may be made to Bortz Health Care or Hospice of Helping Hands, both of West Branch.