Gene (Butch) Kipina

CALUMET – Gene (Butch) Kipina, 77, a resident of Calumet, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer, with family by his side.

He was born on the family farm in Allouez on July 4, 1939, to John and Gladys Kipina.

He attended the Calumet Public schools. In 1961, he married Beverly Jorgenson.

He was employed at the Calumet Laundromat for a few years then worked for the Peninsula Gas Company, where he retired after 35 years of service.

Butch enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, four wheeling, cookouts with family and friends and projects at the camp.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Deloras; brother, Alan; and daughter-in-law, Carrie.

He is survived by his wife, Bev; four sons that were his best friends, Steve of Calumet, Kevin (Nikki) of Friendswood, Texas, Dale of Calumet and Ken (Lisa) of Calumet; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Hannah, Kristen, Gabby, Jacob, Brittany, Cole and Austin; and his special four legged friend, Bikku. Also surviving are three brothers, John (Elaine) of Allouez, Danny (Bonnie) of Copper City and Garry (Suzanne) of Allouez; two sisters, Audrey (Ken) Barri of Sumner, Washington and Debbie (Michael) Sheldon of Weidman; and several special nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2017, at the Siskiwit Reception Hall on Pine Street in Calumet with Pastor Peter Vorhes to officiate. A celebration of a life well lived, will follow the service at 5 p.m.

Online condolences may be left for the family at ericksoncrowleypeterson .com.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with arrangements.