Daniel Butler

He was born December 13, 1961 in Peoria to Robert and Norma (Furlong) Butler. His Mom was his dedicated caregiver for the last few years while he battled numerous surgeries, hospitalizations and countless doctor appointments due to complications of diabetes and heart disease. 

 He is survived by his mother, Norma (Charles) Roth of Morton; his father, Robert (Pat) Butler of Groveland; his sister, JoAn (Kenneth) Baum of Groveland and Sarasota, FL; his daughter, Taylor Butler of Germantown Hills; nephews, Jeremy (Stephanie) Storm and Shaun Baum of Morton; many extended family members and countless lifelong friends he considered family. He is also survived by his beloved Minpin, Minnie who was his constant companion for 12 years. 

Dan was a 1980 graduate of Morton High School and attended Illinois Central College and SIU-Carbondale. He was a lifelong member retired from Carpenter's Local Union #237 in East Peoria. He was a creative and multi-talented craftsman and leaves behind a legacy of his work in Illinois, Louisiana and Florida.  

An avid fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs, Dan loved gadgets especially anything to do with cooking. He was an excellent cook and his mashed potatoes were legendary (just ask him). Dan was a spiritual soul with a soft heart and took great pride in his Native American and Irish heritage. Upon receiving an Ancestry DNA kit from his sister last week, his text said "Thanky Much! I think I'm part St. Bernard/part Polar Bear". He had a sarcastic, witty and eccentric sense of humor which he lavished on all he knew. He loved nature and adventure, which led to numerous stories his friends are eager to share at his Celebration of Life next spring. Per Dan’s wishes, cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. 

He will be greatly missed by those he left behind, but we know his spirit lives with us and will most likely result in some mysterious and unexplained pranks. In honor of his life in construction, memorial contributions may be given to Habitat for Humanity 110 Carver Lane, East Peoria, Illinois 61611. He loved dogs and puppy breath and contributions may also be given to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com