Juanita Butterfield

Juanita “Wannie” (Patterson) Butterfield died peacefully after a short illness after a fall on November 20, 2022. She was born in Green Bay on August 8, 1930, to the late Charles and Margaret (Beth) Patterson. Wannie graduated from St. Joseph Academy with the class of 1948. She married Cliff “Big” on January 6, 1951, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay, and they had six wonderful children together.

Cliff’s job took the family to many other cities throughout the country, but eventually settled back in Green Bay in 1976. Wannie worked for 25 years as a school secretary at Resurrection Catholic School. Her summers were devoted to spending time at the cottage in Sturgeon Bay and golfing in Door County, as well as traveling with her husband, Cliff, on business trips. In addition to playing cards, especially bridge, she loved bowling and taking bus trips to the casino with her pals where many fun memories were made.

She is survived by her children: Shelly (Tom) Bennie, Dennis Butterfield, Tom (Suzanne) Butterfield, Chris (Diane) Butterfield; son-in-law Dan Van Straten; grandchildren: Mike (Brooke) Neville, Rich (Katie) Bennie, Joe (Sam) Butterfield, Erin (Kent) Krueger, Brenton Butterfield, Brianna Nowak, Morgan Butterfield, Claudia Butterfield, Matt Van Straten, Chris Van Straten and Lauren Van Straten; great-grandchildren: Ruby Neville, Lucy Bennie, Mason Krueger, Chance Krueger, Havyn Krueger, Finley Butterfield, Charlotte Nowak and Griffin Nowak; sisters-in-law: Virginia Gruselle and Rita Patterson.

In addition to her parents, Charles and Margaret, Wannie was preceded in death by the love of her life, Cliff “Big” Butterfield, after 44 years of marriage; daughters: Margaret “Peggy” Carlson and Jayma Van Straten; sister Patricia Bodart and brother Robert Patterson.

Family and friends may visit at Resurrection Catholic Parish, 333 Hilltop Drive, Allouez, on Saturday, November 26, from 9:30am until 11:15am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am with Fr. Tom Reynebeau officiating. Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Good Shepherd Home in Seymour.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin or St. John’s Homeless Shelter in memory of Wannie.