Elton "Curley" Butlin, 92, a life-long resident of Rochester, died peacefully Friday, February 22, 2019 at St Marys Hospital while with his family.

He was born Elton Leo Butlin on May 16, 1926 at Fugles Mill near Simpson, Minnesota to Elton J and Kathleen (Chase) Butlin, then moving to Rochester where he grew up and attended school.

In September 1944 he enlisted in the Army. He served in the South Pacific as a squad leader on mortar crew 607. Elton was decorated with several medals including a Bronze Battle Star and Infantry Combat Badge. He was awarded a Purple Heart Medal in a ceremony and congratulated for his wartime service by Brigadier General Fenton S Jacobs.

Elton married Anna Marie Ryan of Ryan's Bay in Zumbro Falls, MN on May 18, 1949 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester.

Elton had a 30 year career at IBM. He was a member of the American Legion and a past member of the Zumbro Valley Snowmobile Club and the Rochester Boat Club. He spent his life enjoying golf, boating, hunting, snowmobiling, fishing, camping and dancing, with his wife, the love of his life and his dear family.

He is survived by his caring wife of 70 years; his four children, Jerry (Mary) Butlin, Connie (Larry) Lexvold, Gail (Terry) Storing all of Rochester, and David (Marcy) Butlin of Lake Zumbro, Oronoco, MN, who were always close to their father. He is also survived by nine grandchildren whom he dearly loved, Annie Booth, Abigail Kozitza, Emily Nemecek, Ben and Colin Storing, Whitney and Jesse Butlin, Lindsey Carpenter and Tracy Basse. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Juliet, Elton his namesake, Lilly, River, Rex, Ava, Raela, Hayden and Harper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and four brothers.

Elton was a loving husband, a wonderful dad, a great Grampa, a kind man, a fun friend who will be dearly missed but held in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be designated to St. Francis School or St. Pius X School.

The memorial Mass for Elton L "Curley" Butlin will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Russell Scepaniak. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27th in River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.