John E. Butler II

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of John E. Butler II, age 80. He left this world peacefully on January 27, 2025, after a very brief stay at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton, WI, due to an aggressive cancer diagnosis.

John was born on August 9, 1944, in Madison, WI, to the late John E. Butler I and Ardell B. (Thurston) Butler. John E. Butler I passed away during World War II as a pilot proudly serving his country. This news was received the day John E. Butler II was born. Later, his mother Ardell met and fell in love with Richard Sleight, who raised and loved John E. Butler II as if he was his own.

John attended UW Madison and was a member in Mensa International, High IQ Society! He worked for the State of Wisconsin as an Engineering Specialist for many years, a field that allowed him to combine his intellect with his creativity. He designed multiple bridges, roads, and overpasses throughout the State of Wisconsin.

John met the love of his life and soul mate, Merry Sue (Germann) Butler and married on June 17, 1967. They raised five children in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, recently moving to the Appleton area. He was known for his dry sense of humor and enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Badgers! He was a quiet man, soft spoken, but when he spoke, you listened. He was very intelligent, but never claimed to be.

John is survived by the love of his life and forever soul mate, Merry Sue Butler; his five beautiful children, Tammi (Travis) Zellmer, Bill (Julie) Rushman, Teresa (Todd) Wenzel, Angel (Blair) Meddaugh, and Bambi (Adam) Coblentz; his grandchildren, Brandon (Bohee), John E. III (Ashley), Matthew, Vanessa (Jon), Marissa (Max), Colton, Madison Sue, Alex (Lily), JeT’aime (Jeremy), and Abigail; his great-grandchildren, Rylan, Lilah, Mackensie, Tyler, Sawyer, Peyton, Elizabeth, Jacklyn, John E. IV, Henry, Allen John (AJ), and Hailey; and his siblings, Richard, David, and Susan.

A celebration of life service will be planned at a later date, when the weather is warm. John would have wanted it that way. Details of this celebration will be shared as information becomes available.

The best role model, mentor, supporter, and teacher – to all who knew him. Our lives are forever better because you’ve been part of it. All the life lessons and love you instilled in us will forever guide us. Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.

His spirit will continue to shine through the many lives he touched.