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June 15, 2018

Karol A. Butler, Died June 12, 2018



Karol Ann Butler
Died June 12, 2018


SUTTONS BAY – Karol Ann Butler , 81, of Suttons Bay, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Karol was born April 16, 1937 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Elmer Schmelz and Edna (Brandt) Schmelz. On Aug. 30, 1957 at St. James Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids she married Thomas A. Butler.

She was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and a well-known figure in the community. Karol spent twenty-eight years as Sutton Bay School’s Secretary, before she retired.

Karol loved knitting; she made mittens for the kids, and quilts for the beds. She was a very caring and compassionate person, who was always there for whoever was in need.

She was the neighborhood caretaker.  Karol would take friends to medical appointments, cook them meals and make quilts for them.  Karol was exceedingly proud of her sons, and anyone who talked with her knew it.

She and Tom loved to travel, all around the world to places such as Hawaii, Aruba, Venezuela, Spain, Morocco among other countries.  Lately her and Tom loved trips to California to see her beloved grandchildren.

Karol is survived by her sons, Michael (Barb) Butler, Tim Butler, and Pat (Tammara) Butler; her two grandchildren, Thomas II and Taylor; and her two sisters, Karen (Frank) Sanders and Kay (Richard) Pollie.

She was followed in death by her husband, Thomas Allen Butler, on June 14, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 with the family greeting friends one hour prior at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Suttons Bay.  Friends are welcome afterwards to a reception in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 206, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

Please share condolences with Karol's family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:33 AM

    Words can not even begin to express our sorrow.
    Karol was a very Special Aunt, she was generous, kind and fun loving. Many treasured memories of our families together enjoying the outdoors, like our "rustic" camping adventures. "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose...All that we love deeply becomes a part of us" ~ Helen Keller.
    Our Sincere Sympathy to All. Love, John and Jane(Butler) Peters

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  2. Ed and I are heartbroken about the loss of Tom and Karol, our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. We knew Karol from our 3 grown children going through Suttons Bay Schools and Karol was always right there....She was amazing and Mrs. Butler was iconic and steady always. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Ed and Cory Beuerle

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