West 3755 US 2 - Spalding, Michigan 49886
Lanny "Butch" Ray Fudala, 71, Escanaba, passed away early Wednesday morning December 20, 2017 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He was born on September 23, 1946 in Escanaba to Betty (Anderson) and the late Frank Fudala Sr. On July 19, 1969 he married the former Lynn Chaillier at Holy Family Church in Flat Rock.
Butch served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. When he returned home, he worked at Harnischfeger, and later at the paper mill until his retirement. Butch often spent time gardening while using a very unique watering system and cutting wood with Lynn by his side. He also enjoyed winemaking and woodworking, sharing many of his woodworking talents with others. One of his favorite things to do was spending time at camp "birdhouse". Butch was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family and found a lot of joy in spending time with his grandchildren, who dearly admired him.
He is survived by his mother of Escanaba, his wife, four daughters: Christy (John) DeGrand of Gladstone, MI, Tricia (Jerry) Stinnett of Clarksville, TN, Beth Ann (Joe) Belcher of Wells, MI and Lesley Priddy of Fayetteville, NC, eight grandchildren: Trent (Elizabeth) Fudala, Emily (Brandon) Latteri, Tonilyn Gorshe, Bryanna Fudala, Travis Stinnett, Courtney DeGrand, Jacob Priddy and James Belcher, two great-grandchildren: Terrent and Eliza Fudala, as well as several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Butch was preceded in death by his father, a brother: Frank "Sonny" Fudala Jr. and a granddaughter: Brittany Marie Fudala.
Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday December 22, 2017 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Escanaba with Delta County Veterans Council rites at 12:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Burial will follow Mass in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the church parish hall.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
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"To the Fudala family, Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We lost a "Good one." Lanny was everything a man should be; kind, generous, smart... just a well rounded human being. We have many pieces of furniture in our home that Lanny created for us. We will always cherish these pieces and never forget the love he put into his work. I was lucky enough to work with Lanny for several years at the paper mill. He was a strong Union man and could always be counted on to educate us on life. He was a quiet man... but when he spoke... he spoke volumes. Both Sheila and I will miss him greatly. "
-Mike and Sheila Nantelle -
"My mind knows Butch is gone, but my heart just won't believe it. It's strange how the passing of such a quiet man can leave such a loud and gaping emptiness in my chest. When Butch threw in his well-timed and witty comments at family gatherings, I always felt we had been treated to something special. While many speak loud and often, Butch was the master of "always leave them wanting more." Sadly, today he leaves so many of us wanting more. "
-Robin and Dennis Villeneuve -
"To Beth Ann & The Fudala Family- You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Butch was one cool guy. He always had my back on all my made up words playing scrabble. I carry a lesson with me that I 100% give him credit for teaching me; Sometimes less is more, and wait until you really have something to say. That was over 20 years ago, I have never forgotten. With prayers and thoughts..."
-Shawn Norton -
"Heartfelt sympathy to Lanny's Family, Jim and Sue Raredon"
-Sue and Jim Raredon -
"Thoughts and prayers to the family. It was a pleasure to work with Lanny at the paper mill. He will be sadly missed and always remembered."
-Bryan Witter -
"To Lynn, Tricia and all of the Fadula family, our hearts are aching with your loss. We didn't get to know Butch well, but his devotion to Lynn and family was evident. We will keep you all in our hearts and prayers. "
-Terry and Jerry Stinnett
