Robert H. Butzen

1952 - 2016

Butzen, Robert H.

Robert H. Butzen was born July 20, 1926 to Henry Butzen and Lily (Mallmann) Butzen. Bob married Jean Binder May 3, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church town of Wilson. Bob attended local schools in Sheboygan. In 1948-1950 Bob enlisted in the Army with two additional years in the Army Reserve. Bob was in the 101st Airborne Infantry and a gun commander on a 90mm cannon.

When Bob retired from the Army he got involved in the building trades with a focus on cement work. He completed studies in Concrete Masonry Technology from Alpena Community College on Dec. 8, 1966. Bob was a longtime employee of Van Der Vaart Ready Mix & Block Co. where he worked as a plant supervisor. He also served on the Safety Council for two years as Vice President. Bob finished his career at Taylor Building Supply, finishing a 62 year career in the industry.

Bob loved his farm especially raising and showing Quarter Horses. Bob was President of the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association in 1973-1974 and inducted into the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2013. Bob could be found showing horses from Florida to Canada. Bob also enjoyed refurbishing old horse drawn farm equipment.

Bob participated in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in April of 2015. He was accompanied by Stacey Bahr and often said it was the highlight of his life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter, Deborah (William) Gagin of Kohler; step granddaughter, Michelle Gagin of Austin, TX; brother-in-law, Frank Lohr; nephews, Tom (Terri) Lohr, Bill (Kathy) Lohr, Richard (Jill) Lohr and Mark Brestrich; nieces, Elizabeth (Robert) Nitch and Patricia Brestrich; Nori Kramer and other family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lily; brothers, Arthur and Raymond; sisters, Mabel Brestrich and Violet Lohr; nephews, Tobin Kramer and David Brestrich.

There will be a time of visitation on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, town of Wilson, 6522 S. Business Drive, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Private entombment will take place later at Garden Terrace Mausoleum.

A memorial fund has been established in Bob's name to Trinity Lutheran Church town of Wilson. Bob's family would like to extend their appreciation to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Center for their care and compassion as well as to the many caregivers over the past months. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com.