Kelley Butler

Through the life of Bernard “Kelley” Butler we learn not only what it means to work hard, but also what it means to love with all our hearts. He was a man of great character and integrity who never wavered in his convictions. Kelley was known for his abiding faith that put the joy in his song and lifted him up when the waves of great hardship washed over him. He was kindhearted and generous in whatever way he could help those in need and in so doing, touched the lives of many around him in a significant way. Although Kelley will be deeply missed, he will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those too numerous to count.

With the end of WWI in 1918, America was viewed as a world leader. Growth and expansion in nearly every industry ushered in a decade of prosperity throughout the twenties. Nestled within this decade was the year 1921 which brought great joy to one family from Fort Dodge, Iowa, in the form of a healthy baby boy, born on July 1st. Bernard was welcomed into the arms of his parents, James and Mary (Smith) Butler, and was their third child. His father worked as a crop farmer while his mother was a homemaker. Tragedy struck early in Kelley’s life when his father was killed in a farming accident when Kelley was just three months old. When his mother later remarried Meryl Doyle, they had three children together, which made Kelley one of six children in his family.

The thirties were years that were cloaked in hardship due to the Great Depression, and Kelley’s family certainly felt the strain, too. The agricultural industry was hit hard and as a result, Kelley’s family lost their farm. They then moved to his maternal grandparents’ farm in Williams, Iowa. Kelley began working as a busboy when he was just six in order to help make ends meet, instilling within him a strong work ethic that would be one of the qualities he was most known for throughout his life. He also attended local schools, graduating from high school as a young man. It should come as no surprise to those who knew Kelley that in addition to carrying his heavy work load between his studies and his jobs, he made plenty of time for getting into his fair share of mischief, usually with his brother, Maurice.

With a desire to serve his country, Kelley joined the Navy, followed by his brother, Maurice, and were both serving together on the USS Chicago (CA-29). Kelley was a fireman first class who worked in the engine room. The brothers left Pearl Harbor on December 5th, just two days prior to the vicious attack on our naval base there. Aboard the USS Chicago, Kelley saw much action in the South Pacific including in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Guadalcanal, and the Battle of Savo Island.

After serving in the military for six years, Kelley returned to Iowa where he worked a couple of small jobs. He seized the opportunity to work in the gypsum mines in Grand Rapids, Michigan, relocating in 1948. Kelley worked as a Supervisor in the gypsum industry throughout his career until he retired in 1992. However, his retirement years looked a bit different as he took a position as a consultant with Domtar, visiting and setting up new gypsum plants.

While he was busy building his career, life was forever changed for Kelley when he met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Barbara Stankiewicz and they met at a party. Kelley worked up enough courage to ask her out, and they dated for a time and later married on January 30, 1954. Together they were blessed with two sons, James in 1955 and Patrick in 1961. Kelley and Barbara moved all over on the west side including homes on Fremont NW, Flora Ct., 1131 Dayton St. NW, 1520 Bridge St. and later to a home at 817 Valley. Kelley always made plenty of time for family including trips back to Iowa for two weeks each summer. The Butlers also took camping trips to the Upper Peninsula as well as trips to Chicago and Detroit. In 1992, he and his son Patrick celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea in Sydney, Australia. It was a memorable trip 2 weeks to say the least. As a family they were members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church where the boys also attended school.

Through the years Kelley was involved in many things. He was an active member of the Catholic War Veterans and also an active member of the Sacred Heart Club – Koscuiszko Hall. Kelley loved to fish, golf, and bowl as he was part of the Catholic War Veterans league for years. Gardening was one of his passions, so he and a friend, Ed Lipski, had “tomato wars” for years to see whose were bigger and better. Kelley also grew cucumbers and peppers among other produce. Although Barb did most of the cooking, Kelley was known for his pork chops with milk gravy.

There were so many things to love about Kelley. He worked hard in order to provide for his family, often holding down two to three jobs at a time. Kelley was known for his gift of gab, and he also had a great sense of humor and was full of one liners.

Life became more of a challenge for Kelley after a stroke left him paralyzed on his left side in December of 2007. The family was given a tough pill to swallow with the sudden death of his son, James, on December 25, 2008. Their strong faith and love for each other upheld them during this time. With the death of his beloved wife Barbara of 57 years just this past April, Kelley was again deeply saddened.

Bernard “Kelley” Butler was a man of great character who was a loyal friend and committed to both his community and his Irish roots. He made the time to enjoy many of the best things in life and left no doubt in the hearts and minds of his friends and family members of just how deeply they were loved. Kelley will be deeply missed.

Bernard “Kelley” Butler died on Thursday, June 9, 2011. Kelley’s family includes his son, Patrick Butler (fiancée Vicky); his sibling, Betty Junewick, Robert (Gayle) Doyle, Gerald (Shirley) Doyle; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Kelley was preceded in death by his sister, Bernice Jaynes; his brother, Maurice Butler; his wife, Barbara Butler; and his son, James Butler. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church (meet at the church). Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel on Sunday from 7-9 and on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with the parish rosary prayed at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to Friends of Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. To leave your own memory of Kelley and to sign his guest book, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.