Dean W. Butler

Dean Butler, age 52, of Wheeler, Wisconsin, passed away on August 20, 2026, at Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin surrounded by his family and loved ones.

He was born on September 14, 1973, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Fred and Arla (Kostman) Butler.

Dean graduated from Menomonie High School in 1992, where he participated in hockey and football. He maintained a lifelong love of sports and competition. In his adult years, he enjoyed spending many years bowling on a league in Colfax, golf, hunting, fishing, and a gun enthusiast; but his greatest passion was racing. For more than 10 years, Dean competed in hornet and Wissota Super stock car racing, creating lasting memories and friendships both on and off the track. Dean was a member of the Menomonie Moose Lodge 1584 and in a snowmobile club for many years.

Dean was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family. He was employed as a truck driver with CRI Environmental Solutions, for 11 years.

Although their marriage eventually dissolved, Dean shared a close friendship and business partnership with Jodi and her husband, Joe. Their friendship and partnership endured through the years and continued until the day of Dean’s passing, a testament to the lasting bond and mutual respect they shared.

Dean was a devoted father to Jessica (John) Hager, Joseph (Melissa) Kurschner, Jericka (Steven) Kirby, and James (Kaylea) Kurschner. He was a proud grandfather to Jalissa (Owen), John Jr., Jared, Jacob, Jordan, Joseph Jr. (Grayce), Jacoby, Nicole, Caleb, and Jayson, and a great-grandfather to Ayana. His family was the center of his life, and he deeply cherished the time, memories, laughter, and experiences they shared.

Dean is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter; his brother, Mark Butler(Melanie); brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, niece, nephews, and many other family members and friends who loved him dearly. He will also be lovingly remembered by his close friends Corey and Jessica Kitchner, Kevin and Caya Manor, and Alex Schmidt, along with the many others whose friendship and love meant so much to him throughout his life.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Arla Butler; his brother, Mike Butler; and his sister, Debra Sweeney.

The family extends special thanks to Jodi for her care and compassion during Dean’s three-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

A Celebration of Life for Dean will be held on August 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Menomonie Fish & Game Club, prior to his Memorial Benefit. Family and friends are invited to gather together to honor Dean’s life, share memories, and celebrate the many lives he touched throughout the years.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com