Gale Edward "Butch" Alleman Jr.
Gale Edward "Butch" Alleman Jr.
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Butch was passionate about flying, distinguished as the top graduate at Fort Rucker, AL. His skills spanned various aircraft, including the 727, helicopters, and fixed-wing planes. Beyond his military career, Butch embraced life to the fullest-he was an Eagle Scout, an avid NASCAR and football fan, and loved rebuilding houses.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gale Edward Alleman, Sr.; his beloved dog, Rudy; his mentor and big brother, Major Franz Stevens; and his best friend, Jon Thocker. Butch is survived by his mother, Judi Alleman; siblings: Rick (Valerie), Ron (Brenda), Scott (the late Rebecca), and Jeffrey (Sherri); and his significant other, Jan Klarquist. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends, co-workers, and fellow first responders. Butch never knew a stranger and touched the lives of many.
Services for Butch will be held in Michigan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnels to Towers. Butch's family would like to thank all the fellow first responders that aided in bringing butch back home in procession on Wednesday.
Butch will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his generosity, love of adventure, and unwavering commitment to helping others.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gale "Butch" Edward Alleman, Jr., please visit our Tree Store.
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Jamie Swenor
October 5, 2025
I think of Butch often. This past weekend a few of us who served with Butch saluted and remembered Butch with a toast. We all miss him.
Jamie Swenor
January 16, 2025
Michele and I think of Butch often. We both miss him terribly and our prayers are with Butch´s family and Jan. This picture is of Jamie & Butch..Charlevoix Michigan Airport
Kristen Leary
October 19, 2024
I work as a security officer at a hospital that Butch frequently flew to. One day, I was down in the dumps because I thought I was failing at my dream, of joining the police. He told me that there's no such thing as failure, just more opportunities to succeed. He encouraged me to try again if I fail and have faith. Never give up... and I have been living by this concept ever since. His wise words changed my outlook in life. I am very grateful for his encouragement.
Susan Hixenbaugh
October 17, 2024
Butch banked with me for years. He was the nicest kindest guy. He would bring us cookies. His smile will be greatly missed
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Shady Grady
October 14, 2024
I served with Butch in the 2nd ACR during the mid 80's and then shortly at Ft. Rucker. I don't have enough words to convey how great of a guy Butch was, and how much he will be missed by so many people.
Rocky Weldon
October 13, 2024
Butch was a true gentle man with a kind soul. He always had a positive way to uplift everyone he met. We had some great times together, riding motorcycles and then (of course) flying. Now he´s flying with the angels. Butch, my dear friend, you will truly be missed.
Bill Brown
October 12, 2024
Gale was my instructor for captain upgrade in the 727 at DHL. He made the entire experience enjoyable while educational. I could not have asked for anyone better as a friend and instructor. Smooth skies and calm winds to you.
Steve Graszler (1SG ret.)
October 11, 2024
Butch was probably one of the first people I met in the MIARNG and definitely one of the most memorable. As soon as I read that he had died, the first image in my mind was of his smile....and his mustache....he was always smiling and always pleasant. As our respective careers continued, our paths continued to cross and he always had a kind word and a hardy "hello". I Don think I ever heard a negative word to him, from him or about him in my whole 37+ year career. And that is certainly memorable. His death is felt by so many people that he must have been memorable to everyone he met. Now that´s a life well and goodly lived.
Cindy Cahill
October 11, 2024
I was fortunate enough to have met Butch when assisting him with purchasing a home and immediately knew I had met a very special person - you just couldn't help but respect and enjoy him - The Lord has One Awesome Individual with Him! Thank You Butch for all the Good things you've done. You will surely be missed.
Scott and Keli Algren
October 11, 2024
We first met while assigned to the 446th Attack Helicopter Battalion, in June of 1987, serving together for the next 10 years. Our friendship was immediate. His laugh, his smile, his humor and life were infectious. I called him "Butches" as a nickname and it stuck. Butches was not only a Patriot, but a man who loved life; a man who loved his fellow Soldiers and Aviators and a man who would do anything for others, anytime, anywhere.
May the good Lord lift you into his arms and comfort you and all who grieve your loss my friend. We shall meet again one day Butches. Rest easy and in peace brother.......love ya man!!!!
Mark and Debbie Leuthner
October 11, 2024
For some 35 years that 'big head' with that even bigger smile and heart was a dear friend to my entire family. We flew together at DHL and Air Care before he moved to Air Evac. He loved flying, being an EMS pilot, all his Med crews and friends. Butch never met a stranger along the way and always had a funny story that would make you laugh and smile. We often talked about his Mom whom he loved dearly, and my heart goes out to her, his family and Jan. He liked to reminisce of growing up with Jon Thocker. I like to think the two of them are having the grandest of reunions rolling and climbing their way through the clouds into a beautiful sunset.
Bryan Hilliard
October 11, 2024
I flew with Butch in his DHL/Astar days. He was always ready with a smile and a laugh. He shall be missed. Blue skies and tailwinds, Brother!
Danny Mortensen
October 11, 2024
The Lord picks the nicest flowers in his garden first.
Michael Braun
October 10, 2024
I remember Gale from my days at DhL . He was liked by all of us . He was a witty professional and a friend that would give you a shirt off his back if you needed. God Bless Gale and his family .
Rick Jamie
October 10, 2024
I flew with Butch at UC Air Care for years.... He had an infectious positivity and will be fondly remembered.
James Swenor
October 10, 2024
I met Butch in the Army National Guard. He was like a brother to me and my wife Michele for 36 years. We would visit Butch in Florence Kentucky on our way to Flordia. Each time we visited over the years, Butch would be in a different stage of remodeling his home. We used to tease him about it.
Butch entered heaven a Hero doing what he loves. No greater love than giving your life to help others. He was the best of us....We will miss him terribly. RIP my Brother
Jamie & Michele Swenor
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