John "Butch" M. Jirovec

John “Butch” M. Jirovec, age 77, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, WI, with his family by his side.  He was born on January 3, 1947 to the late John and Marian (Roemer) Jirovec in Merrill.  Butch attended and graduated from Merrill High School before enlisting in the United States Army.  He proudly served his beloved country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged.   During his time in the military, he also worked as a helicopter mechanic.  Butch also had to opportunity to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Butch drove truck and heavy equipment for most of his life.  He loved it!   Butch enjoyed taking rides on his motorcycle, and was a proud member of the North Central Wisconsin Antique Steam & Gas Engine Club, Inc., where he drove tractor. He was also active in the various snowmobile clubs, helping to clear and plow the trails. He enjoyed learning to fly and was a member of the EAA.  Butch also enjoyed both the EAA and Merrill air shows.   He was a helpful and very generous man, and would help his family and friends whenever he could, as well as the local farmers.  He looked forward to family gatherings.  Butch was especially proud to be part of the Honor Guard for the V.F.W. Post 1638, taking on the role of the bugler and chaplain, where he was able to honor his fellow veterans.  Butch will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Butch leaves behind his siblings: Ronald (Nancy) Jirovec, Wayne (Kathy) Jirovec, Barbara (Tryg) Torgerson and Lana (Glenn) Seefeldt, nieces & nephews: David (Angela), Chad, Rebecca (Jamie), Garret, Richard (Wanda), Ben (Bethany) and Katie (Kevin), along with 11 great nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant niece.

The funeral service for Butch will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  Pastor Michael Southcombe will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.  Military honors will be performed at the funeral home by the V.F.W. Post 1638, immediately following the service.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in the St. Francis Veteran’s Cemetery in Merrill.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in memory of Butch be directed to the V.F.W. Post 1638, as being part of the V.F.W. was close to his heart.

To all of those that provided assistance, support and care to Butch, his family sincerely thanks you.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.   Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.