Obituary

Obituary
Ronald L. Butler, Sr., 89, of Rockford, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 23, 2020. Born on June, 25, 1930, in Unionville, Missouri, the son of Floyd and Bonnie (Minear) Butler. He sold real estate for 30 years for Dickerson Nieman and Mckiski Realtors. Ronald was a Master Mason and served in the Navy for 4 years during the Korean Conflict. His passions included stamp collecting and watching his kids and grandkids play sports, he didn’t miss a game. He was an avid St Louis Cardinal fan, enjoyed bowling and fishing, and represented Rockford in the World Series of Poker, finishing 647th out of 5000. Attended Eastview Baptist Church and then recently Heartland Community Church.

Survivors include his siblings, Donald and Jerry (Doris) Butler; children, Judy Williams, Janice Amundson, Ron (Kris) Butler, Jr., Jennifer (David) Loyd, Laura (Jim) VanBriesen; Cindy (Larry) Higgs; grandchildren, Caryl D'Alessandro, Jimmy (Holly) Williams, Jaime Anne Moore, Andrew (Amber) Moore, Jessica Knudson, Elizabeth Amundson, Gretchen Roberts, Kara (fiancé, J.R. Boyer) Butler, Erick Butler, Danielle Sturgeon, Ashley and Jerale Nichols, Travis and Ambra Loyd, Rich Paulson, Justin (Jordyn) Deskins, Dawn and Aaron Aronson, Jennifer Files, Ryan Light, Briana (Josh) Russom; great-grandchildren, Nicole (David) Tortorici, Christopher Butler, Devon Cornell, Conner Paulson, Trace Butler, Taylor Paulson, Atreyu Leng, Amarri Gregg, Marlee Williams and Cyrus Williams, Layla Hampton, Korbin Leng, Tripp Williams, Javell Nichols, Emsley Foley, Hendrix Nichols, Kaiser and Kade Deskins, Leona Moore, Trae Varney, Evan Aaronson, Bryce Files, Oliver and Avery Russom; great-great-grandchild, Jacob Tortorici. Predeceased by his angels in heaven, his parents, Floyd and Bonnie Butler; wife, Diane Butler; children, Eleanor Tappendorf, Janet Butler, Michael Falnes, and Ricky Butler; grandchildren, Michael Moore, Courtney Paulson; sister-in-law, Opal Butler; mothers-in-law, Juanita Arfstrom and Evie Allen; and aunt, Barbara Katt. The family would like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice for the wonderful care and support they provided during this very difficult time.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 2nd Ave. Memorial Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 in Fred C. Olson Chapel. Burial with honors at Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave., Rockford, IL 61108.