A devoted husband, father, grandfather and papa, he lived his life to help and serve others. He loved being involved in his children's activities, many of which included coaching little league, refereeing soccer games, keeping score at girls' and boys' basketball games, running chains at the football games and he was the President of the Elk Rapids Sports Boosters. As a lifelong resident of Elk Rapids, he was a retired member of the Elk Rapids Fire Department and, most proudly, he was the 2007 Sweetheart of the Year for his community. As an active participant in his church, Butch was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 9979.

Butch will be deeply and sadly missed by all of his friends and family. He loved meeting people and enjoyed sharing his great experiences in life.

He was the consummate "jack of all trades;" there wasn't anything he couldn't fix or create. He truly was like no other individual and leaves behind a legacy for others to live by.

Survivors include his wife Cupie; sons David (Tina) Gnadt of Menominee Falls, Wis. and Kevin (Emily) Gnadt of Alexandria, Va.; daughter Heidi (Andrew) Sleder of Traverse City; grandchildren Ashley, Justin, Mady and Ellie; sister Joann (Guy) Avery; sisters-in -law Sandra (Glenn) Paradis, Susan (Larry) Miner; brothers-in-law Thomas (Sharon) Brown, Timothy Brown and Michael Brown as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Munson Hospice and Munson Home Health Care.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation at the church will be held one hour prior to the celebration of mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rainbow Fund at Christ the King Church, P.O. Box 95, Acme, MI 49610 or to Munson Hospice, 105 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Elk Rapids.