Obituary of Stephen Paul Butler
Stephen (Steve) P. Butler
Of Morris, passed away peacefully Friday, February 2, 2024, in his home, surrounded by love and family.
Stephen was born in Fairfield, IL on November 17, 1955, the eldest son of the late Betty (Harrison) and Charles J. Butler. He was raised in Coal City, IL, graduating with the class of 1973 from Coal City High School. He continued his education at Joliet Junior College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Francis. He retired from Exelon after having worked in many departments including operations, chemistry, business operations, and radiation protection.
Steve married Pamela Olroyd on June 12, 1982. Together they shared a life of love, family, and travel. He is survived by his wife; son, Matthew Butler of Chicago; daughter, Reverend Caitlyn (Nate) Nesbit of Palos Heights; granddaughter, Aisling Nesbit; brother, James (Noemi) Butler of California; sister, Karen Radomski of Coal City; his father and mother-in-law, Wilbur and Carol Olroyd, and sisters-in-law Cheryl (Tim) Butterfield and Claudia (Rudy) Lorenz. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins including Bob (Debbie) Sayers, who he was especially close to, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Kim Olroyd.
Steve had many interests throughout his lifetime. In his younger years, he enjoyed scuba diving, especially the dive trips with friends from Com Ed. He and Pam also traveled together, and with family, to many beautiful destinations, completing many “bucket list” trips. In the later half of his life, he developed an interest in beekeeping, and with his friend, Warren Norris, established the WB Honey Farms. If you met Steve on the street and you had a minute or two (or even if you didn’t), he would share a fact or two about his bees.
Steve was a kind and generous man, willingly giving his time to coach many soccer teams and serve on the Morris Soccer Association board of directors. He served on the Saratoga School Board and was particularly proud to give both his kids their 8th-grade diplomas. He served on various committees for the First United Methodist Church and volunteered for Grundy PADS.
Never one to pass on a good card game (or any game for that matter), he enjoyed getting together with his Thursday night and Friday night poker buddies. He particularly enjoyed his Euchre group which met monthly for many years and had many nights of food, laughter, and some cards. Steve also played in softball, bowling, and volleyball leagues over the years. As of late, he learned to play Pickleball and met many new friends while playing.
Most of all, Steve enjoyed spending time with his family. He organized annual family reunions and looked forward to getting together with all his cousins and their families. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, when all the family would gather and the house was full of conversation, chaos, and most of all, love for each other. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Rt. 6, Morris. There will be a Celebration of Steve’s life on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, 118 W. Jackson Street, Morris, starting at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. All family and friends are invited to remain after the service for a luncheon at the church. As were his wishes, cremation rights have been observed, with remains to be interred in a private ceremony at the Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Stephen's name can be made to the First United Methodist Church and Grundy Area PADS.
For information please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
