MADISON - Melvin Frank Butor, age 94, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, surrounded by family. Son, brother, husband, father, teacher and artist, he lived a long, interesting life leaving behind beloved family, a joy of teaching and most importantly, interesting creative and colorful works of art.

Mel was the second son of Anna and Frank Butor, born in Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew up in what today would be considered poverty. Three generations in one house. However, he thought it was a great childhood being free to roam the neighborhood until dark, shooting marbles and playing sand lot baseball. His father was an immigrant from Poland with few skills and little money, but he worked in the steel mills of Cleveland to help produce the steel that built this country. Mel was always immensely proud of his Polish heritage.

After high school Mel graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art and earned his master’s degree at Kent State University. He also worked summers at the steel mills to pay tuition. He was always creative and thoroughly enjoyed teaching, especially undergrads. The last 28 years of his career were at the UW- Madison in the Art Department becoming an Emeritus Professor.

Mel served his country when drafted into the U.S. Army. While stationed at Camp Rucker, Ala., he encountered racism head on. One day he innocently sat at the rear of a city bus causing the driver to stop the bus and order him to move forward.

He and his wife travelled extensively especially during retirement preferring the "road less traveled." He finally made it to Poland where he stumbled over the few words he still remembered from childhood.

Mel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly; children, Melissa (Kurt) and Ted; and seven grandchildren, Alexandra, Carson, Alia, Evan, Jay, Kenzie and Anna.

Always gregarious, Mel had a story to tell anyone who would listen. He was silenced only when Alzheimer’s disease viciously robbed him of his memories and then his speech.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance.

A celebration of life service will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers please considering making a donation to a charity of your choice.

Rest in peace. We love you.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Melvin F. Butor

January 26, 1930 - May 16, 2024

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