C. Michael “Mike” Butler

C. Michael “Mike” Butler, 91, of Brighton, formerly of Onaway, died at Woodland Village Sunday, December 11, 2022. The son of Clarence and Henrietta (Gohl) Butler, he was born in Belleville January 25, 1931. After misrepresenting his age, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and proudly served as a paratrooper with the 187th Airborne  during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and  two years later married Darleen Fay Havens at St. John Catholic Church in Ypsilanti June 2, 1956. They made their home in Ypsilanti where Mike worked as an inspector for General Motors Co. (GM) and together raised four daughters.

After Darleen’s death, Mike married Joyce (nee McCosh) Laskosky  October 1, 1983 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Onaway.  He retired from GM two years later and moved permanently to Onaway from Ypsilanti.  Strong in his Catholic faith, Mike prayed the rosary every day and was a devoted parishioner at St. Paul Catholic Church where he also belonged to the Knights of Columbus (K of C). A lifetime member of Onaway George C. Garms Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5857, Mike marched in parades, worked Fourth of July chicken barbecues, and volunteered many hours of time for VFW fundraisers and post activities.  

Working his way up through the ranks and learning new skills through the journey, Mike earned a black belt in martial arts.  He was an expert gardener, planting an enormous garden each summer that would thrive under his dedicated supervision and expertise. His harvest was always more than enough with plenty to share with family and friends. Not only did he enjoy gardening, Mike also enjoyed raising hogs.  As members of the Jack Pine Twirlers, Mike and Joyce had so much fun square-dancing. 

Mike was a humble man with integrity who could be depended upon.  He was patriotic, honorable and generous. Mike’s great love for his family, country and God will be fondly remembered. He leaves his daughters, Diana Rodgers (Tony Kucish) of Brighton, Debra Ann Rigsby of Maybee, Kathleen Southerland of Belleville and Sandra Bonk of Warren; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as his brother, Richard (Carol) Butler of Spartanburg, North Carolina.  

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Darleen; his second wife, Joyce; a brother, William; and a son-in-law, Larry Rodgers.

Visitation will be held at Chagnon Funeral Home Sunday, December 18, from 4 until 7 p.m. at which time the K of C will have a rosary service to end the evening. Mike’s funeral will be from St. Paul Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, with military honors by Onaway VFW Post 5857 following. Mike’s final resting place will be at St. Paul Cemetery in Onaway. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Mike to Onaway VFW Post 5857 or to Father Solanus Casey Capuchin Soup Kitchen.