10/20/2025
James J. Butzler
Born August 3rd, 1937 in Sparta Wisconsin, died peacefully October 19th, 2025 at the age of 88 years at Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh, WI. Growing up near Sparta, Jim worked the family farm with his father, Al and mother, Marge raising and processing chickens and pigs. That experience stuck with him as chicken dinner was never his favorite meal. After graduating high school, Jim entered the seminary for a brief period. After that Jim joined the United States Navy in July, 1957. He served on the USS Randolf aircraft carrier as a deck hand and toured the Mediterranean before being honorably discharged in November, 1961.
Jim then worked construction, building bridges alongside his father Al with Lunda Construction for many years. That job led him to meet Carol Jean Monsen-Zenko while building the bridge north of Pembine. Jim and Carol Jean were married February 13, 1971. They were married over 50 years before Carol Jean’s passing in 2022. Jim was stepfather to Brad Zenko and father to Jay Butzler.
Jim then worked for Midwest Plastics in Pembine for several years until taking a job at GAF Kremlin Mine until his retirement.
Jim and Carol Jean were highly mobile keeping their main residence in Pembine, having a lake cabin in Armstrong Creek and wintering in Panama City Beach for many years. They were crowned the first King and Queen of Panama City Beach. They loved to be out and about and visit the casino as well as attending all the grandchildren’s birthdays and events.
Jim enjoyed golf, fishing for northern pike, deer hunting, trapping, craft making, pontoon rides and mostly being around people. Jim also was a member of the Pembine volunteer fire department for 20+ years, umpired little league games and ran the scoreboard for HS basketball. He was a long-standing member of the American Legion Honor Guard. Jim was a sweetheart of a man, kindhearted, helpful, never held a grudge, he was faithful and loved God, devoted to worshiping and always letting you know he loved you when signing off.
Jim is survived by his sons: Jay Butzler, (Jody) of Appleton, Brad Zenko (Peggy) of Fond du Lac. Four grandchildren: Mariam Butzler, Matthew Butzler, Kiefer Zenko (Colleen), Kelsey Zenko. Brother, Jerry Butzler, sister Charlene Metzger, sister Jeanie Butzler and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Marge Butzler and wife Carol Jean.
Jim, Dad, Grandpa, and friend will be dearly missed by many. The memories, his presence and love will live on to those closest to him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am on Friday October 24, 2025, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Pembine with Father Joe Dorner presiding. Visitation is at church from 9:30am until the time of Mass. Burial will take place in Pembine Cemetery immediately after Mass with full Military Honors provided by American Legion Post #461.
Roubal Funeral Home in Wausaukee is assisting Jim’s family with arrangements.