Alex A. Butalla

Alex A. Butalla 87, formerly of Marathon, died January 23, 2003 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. He was born May 23, 1915 in the town of Marathon, son of the late John Sr. and Margaret (Fischer) Butalla. On June 10, 1940, he married Lorraine Volhard in Marathon. She preceded him in death on March 21, 1988. In their younger years, Alex and Lorraine were bartenders at the Poplar Tree Ballroom, Marathon for many years. He was the manager for Marco Farmers Union Co-op until retiring in 1977 and raised ginseng. Besides playing basketball and softball, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. After his retirement, Alex took great pride in watching his grandchildren participate in various sports. Survivors include two daughters, Karen (Rodney) Hilmershausen and Lynette (Ed Williams) Schulz both of Marathon; three sons, Larry (Audrey) Butalla, Antigo, Robert (Mary Jean) Butalla, Marathon, Alan (Karen) Butalla, Wausau; 17 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; four sisters, Arlean (Ervin) Jagodzinski, Edgar, Melania Goldbach, New Berlin, Viola (Clarence) Novitzke, Park Falls, Cordella (Frank) Trage, Jr., Coconut Creek, Florida; two brothers, Edward (Robby Jo) Butalla, Fort Worth, Texas and Harold (Ruth) Butalla, Marathon. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Sarah Butalla; one sister, Elizabeth Ford; five brothers, John Jr., Joseph, Alfred, Phillip & Matt Butalla. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2003 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements.