Obituary of Frederick N. Butz

Frederick N. Butz, age 71 of Ransomville, went to his heavenly home on Saturday January 23, 2016 surrounded and cared for by his loving family. Fred was born January 30, 1944 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Frederick W. and Dorothy (Schultz) Butz and was a lifelong resident of Ransomville. He was employed as a Welder by GM Harrison Radiator in Lockport for 28 years, retiring in 1993 and also had many part time jobs as well. On January 5, 1963 he married Gayle J. Zahno. Fred was a lifelong member of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at North Ridge where he proudly served as an Usher for many years. Fred built and raced stock cars at Lancaster, Spencer, and Hamilton Speedways. He enjoyed NASCAR racing and was a big Dale Earnhardt fan. He enjoyed cruise nights in his 1978 Corvette Indianapolis Pace Car Edition. Fred was always working on projects around his home and loved helping his children. He enjoyed snowmobiling and camping but most of all loved playing and spending time with is grandchildren. Fred also enjoyed his daily visits for coffee at the Hillview Restaurant. For the past 26 years on the first Saturday in November, Fred and Gayle hosted “Chowder Day” for their many friends and family. Fred is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gayle; his children, Debra Butz (Susan Slye) of Ransomville and Daniel (Jackie) Butz of Lawrenceville, PA; his grandchildren, Ryan Sargent, MaKayla, Kylee, and Trevor Butz, Jessica and Victoria Slye-Butz; a sister, Audrey (Richard) Woolson of Lewiston; two brothers, Wayne (Diane) Butz of Ransomville and Gary Butz (Paula) of Cheektowaga, NY, and a brother in law, Randall (late Janice) Zahno of Ransomville, and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Tuesday from 4 - 8 pm. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 27, at 11:00 AM in St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at North Ridge, 4169 Church Rd., Town of Cambria with the Rev. Robert Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow in North Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at North Ridge, or Ransomville Vol. Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, PO Box 239, Ransomville, NY 14131