Elmer "Butch" E. Bretthauer

Elmer E.”Butch” Bretthauer, 72, of Olathe, Kansas passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, December 31, 2014. He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to everyone he met.

Elmer was born on August 5, 1942 in Kansas City, Kansas to Elmer and Daisy (Hadukovich) Bretthauer. He attended and graduated from Tonganoxie High School and studied Electrical Engineering for two years at Kansas University. After college he worked at Ornamental Iron in Bonner Springs.

Elmer served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 153 Olathe, Kansas. Elmer worked as a technician for Southwestern Bell. He retired after 31 years of dedicated service. While working at Southwestern Bell he attended Electrical School and was a union member of (CWA) Communication Workers of America and telephone Pioneers. (Also, Boy Scout leader in Troop 412 and member of Tribe of the Micosay).

Elmer never met a stranger, he was always willing to help out someone in need and when he thought the time was right, he would pull out his harmonica and play a tune. In his spare time Elmer enjoyed buying tractors and mowers to keep himself busy. He also enjoyed going to: Country Music shows, playing Bingo at the American Legion, going to the Casinos, spending time with his family and watching KU sports on television. Elmer was a dedicated member of First Christian Church in Olathe, Kansas.

Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Daisy Bretthauer, and younger brother David Daniel Bretthauer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Carol Ann Bretthauer and their son Aaron Bretthauer both of the home. He will be sadly missed by his siblings: Henry Herman Bretthauer and his wife Ardith of Eugene, Oregon, Mary Katherlyn Rounds and her husband Ronald of McLouth, Kansas, Benjamin Bassem Bretthauer and his wife Diana of Eudora, Kansas, Franklin Frederick Bretthauer of Tonganoxie, Kansas, Jerry Jackson Bretthauer and his wife Diane of Tonganoxie, Kansas, Ruth Ann Wickey and her husband John of Tonganoxie, Kansas and Donald William Bretthauer and his wife Linda of Lawrence, Kansas.

Left behind to cherish his memory are several nieces and nephews. Elmer is also survived by his two aunts: Helen Hadukovich of Kansas City, Missouri, Ann Mathia and her husband Gene of the state of Texas and brother-in-law, David Talley of Olathe, Kansas.

Elmer will be cremated according to his wishes. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015 at First Christian Church 200 E. Loula Olathe, Kansas. A private family Inurnment will take place at a later date in Hubbel Hill Cemetery Tonganoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be 2:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday at the church prior to the service.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: First Christian Church of Olathe. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilley-frye.com.