Mahlon Butz

Mahlon W. Butz, of West Lafayette, passed away peacefully on May 15th, 2013, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mahlon was born in Lafayette January 25, 1931, the son of the late Paul and Mabel Lehnen Butz. He was a 1950 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and received his Bachelors of Science from Purdue University in Recreational Management. He married Marilyn Campbell at Cecil, WI in July 26, 1958 and she preceded him in death April 19, 2003. Mahlon later married Ellen Crecelius Harkness at Springfield, IL. August 28, 2004 and she survives. Surviving beside his wife are two daughters, Melinda A. Fortner (husband Keith) of Lafayette, IN.; Michele B. Tyson of Lafayette, IN.; two sons, Mark S. Butz of Rock Island, IL.; Michael J. Butz (wife Suzi) of Carmel, IN.; two step-daughters, Hilary Moreno (husband Juan Carlos ) of Birmigham, AL.; Ruth Raymer (husband Josiah) of Pensacola, FL.; a step-son, Andrew Harkness (wife Kelly) of Redondo Beach, CA.; a brother Keith Butz of Lafayette, IN.; and a sister, Leonora Taylor of Lafayette, IN. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by a son, Martin E. Butz; three brothers, Paul, Ralph and Donald Butz, and by two sisters, Mary Ethel Dye and Dorothy Ann Lehman.

Mahlon had a strong sense and love of Community. He was a current member of the Lafayette Breakfast Optimist Club and former President. He was a current member and Past Commander and Finance Officer of the American Legion (Post 11). He also was a member of 40 & 8 Voiture 364.

Mahlon enjoyed growing and producing his own wines. He was nationally recognized as an Award Winning Non-Commercial Wine Maker. He participated in the State of Indiana Wine Competition for many years. He was also a member of the Tippie Tasters. He was the first 3 time Champion at the Tippie Tasters' Amateur Wine Competition and won two Best of Class Medals on the day of his passing.

Mahlon served in the Army Corp of Engineers and was a Korean War Veteran. He was stationed in the Arctic Circle and helped build roads, air strips and satellite tracking stations.

Mahlon achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was involved in Professional Scouting for over 25 years. He was Director of Vocational Rehabilitation at Skills, Inc., Moline, Illinois for 8 years and later retired from Purdue University in the Facilities and Property Management Department after 18 years of service.

Mahlon enjoyed singing in the Saint Mary Cathedral choir. He also enjoyed Purdue Athletics, fishing and Indy Racing.

Mahlon was a selfless, hard working man who always enjoyed helping others. He was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather who will be missed by many.

Friends may call at St. Mary's Cathedral from 5 until 8 PM Monday, with the Rosary Service at 4:45 PM.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral 10:30 AM Tuesday, Fr. Tim Alkire officiating, with American Legion Post 11 military rites. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 11 Bus Fund. Hahn-Groeber Funeral & Cremation Services is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com