Ethel L. Buttke

Ethel L. Buttke 91, town of Stettin, died Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at Benedictine Living Community (formerly Marywood Center), Wausau. She was born March 14, 1922 in the town of Hamburg, daughter of the late Walter and Mathilda (Voight) Krohn. On June 7, 1941, she married William F. Buttke at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church , Stettin. He preceded her in death on April 23, 1962 at the age of 44, leaving her to raise four boys. Ethel was a homemaker most of her life and also was a cook at Rib River Ballroom and head cook at Marathon High School, until her retirement. She also learned the art of cake decorating and took great pride in the beautifully decorated cakes she made for many special occasions. Ethel was a great cook and family often gathered around her kitchen table for delicious meals and games. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed her gardens and flowers. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stettin. Ethel has always been active in her church, singing in the choir, with the Ladies Aid/Afternoon Circle, teaching Sunday School and working as a janitor. She was also active in the Marathon County Homemakers Club, at one time serving as president. Survivors include, four sons, William Jr. (Nancy) Buttke, Marathon, James (Nancy) Buttke, Arizona, Robert (Bernie) Buttke, Illinois and Thomas (Judith) Buttke, Connecticut; five grandchildren, Michael (Jayme) Buttke, Matthew (Laurie Brace) Buttke, Patricia (James) Nelson, Alexandra Buttke and Carl Buttke; one step-granddaughter, Beth Jermundson; seven siblings, Earlin (Marie) Krohn, Mavis Schoenherr, LuAnn (William) Ruhbusch, Lois (Michael) Fasse, Donald (Lyn) Krohn, Geneva Weith and Lorraine (William) Melanson; one sister-in-law, Delores Buttke; one brother-in-law, Walter Braatz; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, William, she was preceded in death by her three year old daughter, Patricia; and three siblings, Ardell Koenig, Junice Braatz and Layton Krohn. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2013 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stettin. Rev. Philip Bogen will officiate. Burial will be in Stettin Christian Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stettin. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Marywood Center for all the wonderful care and support given to Ethel over the past four years. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com