Dennis E. Butler

Dennis was born to Dwight and Mae Butler on March 2, 1925. Old age and cancer finally caught up with one of the truly fabulous members of the "greatest generation." He was welcomed onto heaven's eighteenth green on August 17th. Literally always by his side, dad will be so dearly missed by his loving wife Rosie. Den and Rosie were dedicated as babies together in Detroit's 1st Church of the Brethren. They celebrated 75 years of marriage this past September 8th.

Dennis graduated from Detroit's Southeastern H.S. and attended Manchester College, and later Wayne St. University.  He answered our country's call and served in Europe in the latter stage of WWII. He was an eye-witness to the devastation and became a strong advocate for world peace after returning. Like so many returning G.I.'s he quickly "tied the knot" and started raising a family.

Dennis worked for a while in the furniture business with his father-in-law. Eventually, he found his niche as a life insurance salesman.

Always a leader, at different times, he was a P.T.A. president, church board chairman, and Lion's Club president in Redford Township, Michigan.

Never one to shy from travel, Den and Rosie enjoyed numerous trips to Europe and Asia. Their earlier days of travel were marked by hauling a camper west to the glorious national parks enjoying family camp-outs.

Always supporting his wife, he would be seen in his Santa outfit every Christmas spreading joy to Rosie's kindergarten class.

Dad's tenor voice was a beautiful gift that he gladly shared at church and with his men's Orpheus Club of Detroit.

In the late 1980's, Denny and Rosie became snowbirds at Riverwoods Plantation Resort in Estero, FL. Many happy winters were spent there swimming, golfing, and socializing with so many wonderful friends. It was here that dad honed his skill as a remarkable wood-carver, whittling countless gifts for his grandchildren.

In 2005, Den and Rosie made their final move to Timbercrest in North Manchester, IN. Again they blended in so easily with the community and church.

Dad loved his golf and his downhill skiing. He was very accomplished at both, enjoying those activities well into his 80's. Most of all, he loved his family and his Creator. He will be dearly missed.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his two older brothers. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his sons David (Joyce) Butler, Cumming, GA; Daniel (Debra) Butler, Sandpoint, ID; his sister, Betty Bergstrand, Chapel Hill, NC; 5 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held for both Rosie and Denny together on Saturday, March 5th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana. A gathering of friends and family will be held at the conclusion of the service. Any donations may be directed to Manchester Church of the Brethren, youth services, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana, 46962.

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