Richard Russell Butler

MADISON-Richard R. “Butch” Butler, age 76, passed away in restful sleep on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, with his wife, Joyce by his side.  He was born on July 13, 1941, in Marshfield, the son of LaVerne and Margaret (Kreish) Butler.  Butch graduated from Madison East High School and proudly served in the U.S. Navy.  He married Joyce Osterloth on Dec. 31, 1972.  He was a firefighter with the Madison Fire Department for 31 years.  He was also a paramedic and building inspector.  Butch enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, wood working, photography, socializing with friends, and was a devout Lutheran.  Butch is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter, Kris (Mark) Wigdal; sons, Duane (Eri) Osterloth and Doug (Melissa) Osterloth; son-in-law, Reed Peterson; 12 grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott; daughter, Heidi; brothers, Ray, Hawley and Pat; and sisters, Betty and Midge.  Funeral services will be held at MONONA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 16, 2017, with the Rev. Thomas Nowak presiding. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, and also at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Monona Lutheran Church or Agrace HospiceCare.  Butch will be remembered as fun-loving and genuine.