Anton Clarence Buttke, age 74 – May 23, 1939 – September 1, 2013

Our loving father, great friend, wonderful husband, grandfather, and great grandfather left us on Sunday, September 1, 2013 after a 24 year struggle with emphysema. Anton went to be with our heavenly father. Anton was born on May 23, 1939 in Cadott, WI, the son of Harvey and Iva Buttke. Anton was raised in Cadott, WI. He worked at Presto in Eau Claire and Nielsville Muffler Plant and the highway department before becoming a farmer, which he retired from after health issues in 1989. 

On December 17, 1960 he was united in marriage to Yvonne Denison. Their union in marriage was blessed with seven children: Brian, Paula, Lori, Shelly, Mark. Corey, and Tonia. 

Anton was a loving person with a heart of gold. He never took credit for something he did not do. Anton had a lifetime friend in his dog, Mitsy. He never went anywhere without her and she always wanted to be by his side. Anton will now get to see his dog, that he loved beyond words, in heaven.

Anton loved the farm and worked right beside his wife. The two were a team and got the job done. Anton worked from early morning to late evening seven days a week on the farm. Anton sometimes did not get a minutes rest between milking the cows, field work, cleaning barns, birthing calves, and many more duties on the farm.

Anton loved his grandkids. He took them quite frequently and they loved being with him. Anton had thirteen grandchildren at the end, and was blessed with three great-grandchildren. I’m sure if they had the time with him, they would have had many memories with him. Family will retell their memories frequently to make sure they know their great grandpa was a very special person in our hearts.

Anton was a man who loved his sweets. He was always asking for something good. He loved his cookies, bananas, ice cream bars, and rice crispy bars. Anton was a diabetic so Yvonne, his wife, had to be the bad guy because his sugar level would go way too high. Anton would try in every way possible to sneak a snack without Yvonne knowing, but she knew all his tricks. 

When Anton called for Yvonne, it was always “Mother.” In his final days at the hospital, he called for Mother many times. “Mother” was always there and would do whatever it was he needed. She tried very hard at the end, but Mother could only do so much. The good Lord finally took it out of her hands. 

Anton will be missed by many. 

Anton is survived by his wife, Yvonne; children: Brian of Mondovi, Paula (John) Herdahl Jr. of Elk Mound, Lori (Dwight) Butler of Mondovi, Shelly Buttke (Golden) of Menomonie, Mark of Spring Valley, Corey Buttke (Carri) of Baldwin, and Tonia (Brent) Buerkle of Baldwin; grandchildren: Josh, Jake, Jessica, Jason, Andrew, Samantha, Jasmine, Brook, Tiffany, Tyler, Torie, Kyle, and Cole; great-grandchildren: Austin James, Ava Harper, and Jepsyn Jessie. 

A visitation will be held on September 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin, WI. Everyone is welcome to come and say a prayer with the family at 11:45 a.m. as we lay Anton to rest. Following the service, burial will be taking place at Baldwin Cemetery.