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HANCOCK
Robert M. Butke, 74, well-known businessman, died Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at the Lighthouse at Hubbell.
He was born March 9, 1943, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, a son of the late Edward and Evelyn (Sharp) Butke, and was a graduate of the Mt. Clemens High School.
He went on to further his education to be a watchmaker and later a gemologist.
On March 16, 1963, Bob married the former Muriel Strauchman in Mt. Clemens.
The couple also resided in Traverse City before moving to Hancock 36 years ago to make their home.
Bob and Muriel purchased Laiti’s Jewelry Store in Hancock. Eventually they moved the business, Laiti Jewelers, to the Copper Country Mall and then to its current location in downtown Houghton. After Muriel passed away in November of 2014, Bob continued working at the store where he enjoyed greeting his customers.
Bob was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Lutheran Church of Houghton.
He is survived by his loving children and grandchildren,
Tammy (Jim) LaBeske of Hubbell;
Mark (Catrina) Butke of Hancock Twp. and their daughter Tiffany, David (Crystal) Butke of Midland and their children, Madison and Christian; and a brother-in-law, Ervin Strauchman of Mt. Clemens.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Monday, October 30, 2017, at Saints Peter & Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton, with Pastor Aaron Gehrke to officiate. Visitation will be 1hour prior to the service on Monday in the church. Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. Arrangements are being handled by the Jukuri-Antila Funeral Home of Hancock, Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.
