Daniel Thomas Butkiewicz

Daniel Thomas Butkiewicz (70), of Montreal, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Ironwood, Michigan. He was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on Halloween of 1954; which always made sense, because he had a way of bringing mischievous fun everywhere he went.

My dad grew up in Gary, Indiana with his adoptive parents, Chester and Helen Butkiewicz. From a young age, he was all about baseball, fishing, shooting pool, and just having a good time. As a kid, he fell in love with the Chicago Cubs and never missed a chance to cheer them on (or yell at the TV when they blew a lead). Summers for him meant fishing trips with his father in Eagle River or long days on the pier at Lake Michigan (or sometimes finding trouble at a pool hall).

Later in life, my dad moved to Baldwin, Michigan, where he met and married my mother, Kim Hackett. We eventually settled in the Northwoods of Mercer, WI. My father found solace there, spending time on the water and in nature with my older brother and me.

My dad was our biggest fan and constant companion. There was nothing in this world that compared to the love he had for us. He is the one who taught us how to fish, ride bikes, play ball, and enjoy the little things in life; all such small snippets of good memories he left behind.

Becoming a single father, my dad stepped up in every way possible to make sure my brother and I had a stable home and good life. He was our home and foundation, and his presence alone helped us stay calm throughout any storm. He was there for every loss and win. He always worked so hard, but still never lost his sense of humor that brought laughter to the winds.

In his final years, he found peace doing what he loved most: spending time with us and his dog, Copper. If he wasn't fishing or watching the Cubs or Bears, he was playing pool, cracking jokes, telling stories, or sitting outside just absorbing the beauty of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Helen (Boilek) Butkiewicz; and daughter, Tiffany Surer (Pamela).

He is survived by his son, Danny Butkiewicz (Veronika); daughter, Athena Butkiewicz (Carl); stepdaughter, Tia Piccolo (Mike); and grandson, Eric Richardson.

We are not holding any formal services right now, but we know our Dad is somewhere in the heavens with a fishing pole and a beer, sitting alongside his pups Tucker, Lizzie, and Booga - with the Cubs game on in the background.

He was a lively spirit that will be deeply missed.