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Russell Butterbach Obituary
Russell Butterbach, 88, passed away on Monday after a short battle with leukemia. He was born in Joliet, IL and was a WW II veteran who enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Dec. 8, 1941. He served in North Africa and Italy until the end of the war.
Russell was a man with an enthusiastic and positive view of life that was contagious to those around him. He was a dedicated police officer and retired from the Solano County Sheriff's Office in 1976 after 16 years of duty. He enjoyed a long and happy retirement that included golfing, singing, playing the drums and piano, flying his son-in-law's airplane and making friends wherever he went. Most recently he appeared as a technical consultant on the Director's Cut of the Zodiac movie discussing his involvement in the case.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hope Butterbach; daughters Sharon Downey, Karen Eckerson and Debra McClanahan; son-in-law, Dean Eckerson; grandchildren Tracy Porten, Russell Miller, Mark Downey and Andrew Dussell; and great-grandchildren Theodore and Contessa Porten, Ethan Dussell, and Riley Miller.
A private memorial is planned for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Kaiser Hospice, 975 Sereno Drive, Vallejo are appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Butterbach
1 Entry
Jill Silva
May 29, 2008
Debbie and Family,
My sympathy and thoughts are with you at this time. I remember your Dad as being a very distinguished and nice man. May your memories of him comfort you.
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