Galen "Butch" H. Staffne

 

STAFFNE, Galen H.” Butch”- Flushing, age 64, died peacefully at his home Wednesday, January 4, 2017 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He passed away after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

 

Butch was born in Flint on October 17, 1952. He graduated from Davison High School and received his Bachelors in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. He enjoyed a long career as a Behavioral Health Social Worker.

 

Butch was a talented musician, avid golfer and a passionate U of M fan. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

 

On March 2, 1984, he married Gayla S. Norman in Flint. They welcomed their beautiful triplet daughters into the world on November 8, 1991. He most recently celebrated the birth of his first grandchild on December 15, 2016.

 

Butch is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gayla Staffne;

 

daughters, Aria Staffne (Shane Sanders), Elyssa (Joey) Grappin, Caitlyn (Tyler) Mack;

 

grandson, Owen Grappin; mother-in-law, Wilma Norman;

sister-in-law, Cheryl Caleca; brother-in-law, Ron Norman;

niece, Liana Caleca Schroeter; nephew Jeffrey Norman;

and many other relatives, life-long friends and band members.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Galen Staffne Sr. and Katherine (Smith) Staffne.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for him over the past 18 months. A special thanks to Dr. Christopher Ash, Dr. Matthew Lange and nurse, Linda Walters.

 

Funeral service will be held at 12 Noon, Monday, January 9, 2017 at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint;

 

Pastor Jonathan Chitwood officiating.

 

Visitation Sunday 1-8pm and Monday 11am until the time of the service at the funeral home.

 Burial in Evergreen Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

 

 

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