Gerald “Butch” Roberts
Butch was born February 9, 1952 in Escanaba, MI, the son of Fred L. Roberts Jr. and Alice (VanEffen) Roberts. He attended and graduated from Gladstone High School.
Butch was united in marriage to Janice Chouinard on August 3, 1974 and spent the last 47 years being a loving husband and father. He was so proud to be a grandpa and great-grandpa to his 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
He worked for Harnischfeger and Northern Rebuilders/Cloverland Industries for many years and retired from Lamar Advertising Co.
In his younger years, Butch loved being in his garage working on and painting cars with his friends and family. He and Janice subbed on bowling leagues for many years, where they met some of their life-long, best friends. He was very involved in the U.P Garden Tractor Pullers, Inc., for many years. One of Butch’s all-time loves was hunting. If you didn’t find him in his garage or woodworking shop, he was either out at hunting camp finding more projects to work on then time ever allowed him before the next opening day of deer season or camping with family and friends at some of their favorite campgrounds and music festivals.
Butch never hesitated to lend a helping hand, whether it was with his wife’s girl scout adventures, moving his daughters from place to place, helping friends and neighbors with constructions projects, outside projects and anything he thought they might need a hand with. He was a jack of all trades; and touched more lives than he will ever know in so many ways we cannot put them all into words.
In addition to his loving wife, Janice, Butch is survived by his
5 Daughters: Jessica (Wes) Passinault of Amherst, WI; Melissa (Brandon) McCormick of Marquette, MI; Tricia (Brad) Brunette of Escanaba, MI; Rebecca (Todd) Gustafson of Rapid River, MI; and Katie (Marc) Viau of Gladstone, MI.
Brothers: Ken (Marcy) Roberts of Mass City, MI; and Tom (Mickie) of Flat Rock, MI.
Sisters: Diane (Karl) Hess of Flat Rock, MI; Cheryl Wendrick of Flat Rock, MI; Nancy (Marv) Levesque of Riverland, MI; and Lisa (John) Trotter of Gladstone, MI.
Grandchildren: Hayley and Tyler Small, Hayden Passinault, Avey and Logan Gustafson, Porter and Parker McCormick, Caraline, Hunter and Charlotte Viau and his Great-Granddaughter, Lena Kurszewski.
Butch also had numerous brothers and sisters-in law, nieces and nephews who he loved dearly and could always rely on him for a smile and good laugh.
Butch is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Alice Roberts, and niece Heather Hess.
Family will receive friends Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 2:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Following mass, family and friends will be welcome to gather at Butch’s home for food, drinks, and lots of laugh as he wanted.
In lieu of flowers, the family has a Memorial fund set up in Butch’s name at Peninsula Federal Credit Union.
Patti Stropich - Gladstone, MI
Janice,
I was so surprised to see you at the funeral home today. My heart goes out to you & your family! Prayers for your family & a big hug!
Jan Mott - Bark River , MI
Dear Janice and Family,
So, So Sorry Dear Friend. We are Deeply Saddened by your unexpected news of Butch’s Passing. Sending Our Heartfelt Prayers, Love and Hugs. May Butch Rest In God’s Eternal Peace ❣️
Arlene Marohnic - Rapid River, Mi
It’s with a heavy heart to hear of your loss. I’ve known Butch all my life as I am a Flat Rock girl, he was a gentle fun loving soul, he enjoyed life and the people around him. Janice my prayers go out to you and your family, may the memories bring you laughter and put a smile in your heart. “Family” he has given you, hold on to each other for strength and know one day you’ll see him again in Gods Graces. Love you all
Beth Cavadeas - Gladstone, MI
Dear Janice and family. Was so very sad to hear of your loss. Have lots of fun loving memories of Butch in our younger Flat Rock years. He was so kind. Love and prayers to all of you. Beth Sargent Cavadeas
Sue Wencl - Escanaba , Mi
It was so nice seeing all of you at Woodtick! I would have dragged Butch out to dance if I could have seen the future. So glad he looked very happy. Bring a Flat Rock girl also I feel a great loss of one of us. Praying for peace for your family.
Lynn Deneau - Gladstone , Mi
JAN and family We are so safe of your terrible loss. Our prayers are with you. Lynn and Harland Deneau. Audrey Deneau Fix and Nick Deneau.
Cathy Martinson - Escanaba , Mi
Oh Janice. I was really shocked to hear that Butch passed. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Although I didn’t really know him that much, he was always very nice when I saw him at the music Monday’s or camping. God speed, Butch. May you Rest In Peace.
Cathy (Casey) Martinson
Jeremy chouinard - Ann arbor, mi
I already miss my jolly Uncle Butch! I remember being a kid walking the short trail through the woods between our houses. I would get so excited with anticipation to play with my cousins and to get razzed by my uncle and his one-line zingers and to see what zany mischief he might be up to in his garage/office/workshop/bar.
My condolences to my super-woman Aunt Janice and my generous and fun cousins. I love and miss you all! My heart goes out to you during this hard time.
Dave Strom - Gladstone, MI
Janice, and family, I will always remember Butch as one of the nicest guys I went to school with. He was a good man. My condolences.
Tammy Stenson - Gladstone, MI
Dear Jan, girls and family,
So so sorry for your loss. Butch was a great guy and always had a smile on his face when you would see him. There are no words. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers. All our love. Tammy and Derrick Stenson
Marie Cain - Gladstone, MI
Janice and family, I am so saddened by the loss of Butch. May your treasured memories help you at this most difficult time and may you feel God’s love as you all gather to remember the wonderful times you all had together.
Sandra Brinker - Escanaba, MI
Jan and family
So very sorry to hear about your loss .
Deepest sympathy to you all at such a time.
Sandra Brinker
Norman and Joanne Chenier - GLADSTONE, MI
We are so sorry to hear about Butch passing away. Your family was always very special to us. You have our deepest sympathy. May God bless and comfort your family.