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GLADSTONE -- Thomas L. Butch, age 84, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Byron Center, Michigan. Tom lived a generous and loving life, and he is now with his Lord Jesus.
Tom was born on December 3, 1941, in Escanaba, the son of Joseph F. and Doris E. (Cowen) Butch. His humble upbringing shaped his character from an early age. An exceptional student, Tom's hard work, passion for learning, leadership, and love of knowledge became defining qualities that shone throughout his life, along with a deep connection to the Gladstone and Escanaba community that only grew stronger with time. A member of Gladstone High School's class of 1960, Tom proudly represented GHS in basketball, band, debate, golf, and tennis. Many of his classmates became lifelong friends. He continued his education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning a bachelor's degree in 1964 and a law degree (Juris Doctor) in 1967. He was a Brave and a Wolverine to the core.
While at U of M, Tom met Alice (Smith), his beautiful and loving wife of 60 years. They married in Pennsylvania on May 21, 1966. After law school, Tom and Alice moved to Gladstone, where they raised their family and poured themselves into the community. Tom practiced law for nearly 50 years and was a senior partner in the original firm of Butch, Quinn, Rosemurgy, and Jardis. He saw the legal profession as a way to help and serve people. Among his many professional accomplishments, he was Gladstone's City Attorney for 48 years.
Tom continually encouraged young people to strive toward their full potential and opened doors for countless aspiring students. One of his most cherished roles was serving for 50 years as a board member at Bay de Noc Community College, work he considered both an honor and a civic duty.
Tom was deeply committed to his family and his faith. He relished family gatherings and loved sharing celebrated stories from days gone by. A lifelong member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone, he compassionately worked to advance God's kingdom. His faith was nourished for decades through regular meetings with a close circle of friends from a Cursillo weekend at Marygrove Retreat Center. Tom was exceptionally generous, giving freely of his time and money to friends, family, and strangers alike. Rarely did anyone dream up better gifts than this man.
Music was in his DNA. Tom played the trumpet in his youth and, in later years, sang with the Remnants Barbershop Chorus in Escanaba. His love and knowledge of jazz, Caribbean, folk, blues, and bluegrass music was unrivaled. In the twilight of his life, Tom would often close his eyes while listening to his favorite vinyl albums, which brought him tremendous comfort and peace.
Tom read more books in his life than many college libraries hold in their stacks. Among the many other hats he wore were these: marathoner, chess expert, coach, professor, philanthropist, Packers fan extraordinaire, mentor, guest preacher, investment blogger, frozen custard connoisseur, bulldog lover, bridge player, amateur stock trader, and all-around decent guy. His legacy is rich and enduring.
Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice Butch, who loved and supported him selflessly until his last day; daughter Dora (Andy) Leonard of Nashville, MI; daughter Linda (Nathan) Boris of Hood River, OR; son Wes (Tammy) Butch of Grand Rapids, MI; sister Tricia Butch (Bill Murphy) of Kalamazoo, MI; sister Dorell (Larry) Kirschner of Columbia, MO; grandson Noah Boris of Hood River, OR; grandson Zach Boris of Hood River, OR; grandson Cade Butch of Grand Rapids, MI; grandson Connor Butch of Chicago, IL; aunt Caroll (Don) Fawcett of Madison, WI; ten nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins in Gladstone and Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Doris Butch; his infant daughter, Laura Ann Butch; and numerous aunts and uncles.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services honoring Tom will begin at 12 noon, with Reverend Stephen Cowen officiating, followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Tom will be laid to rest in Fernwood Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Butch family.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone, the Oaks at Byron Center, and Emmanuel Hospice in Grand Rapids for the compassion and love you showed Tom and our family during his final three years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed in Tom's honor to the Bay College Foundation in Escanaba, Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone, or Emmanuel Hospice in Grand Rapids.
