Jean Norma Butler

Hubbell: Jean Norma Butler, 78, a resident of Hubbell, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2020 at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital after a lengthy illness. 

She was born May 19, 1941, to the late Clifford Pyykkonen and Norma Koivu in Hancock, MI. She was one of 5 siblings. Jean was proud to be a “Pyykkonen from Paavola!” She attended Hancock Central High School and worked as a homemaker and caregiver. She was well known for being a great bowler and for her love of the sport. Jean was also known for her “famous” potato salad, the best pasty crust, her great sense of humor, Finnish stubbornness, and SISU. Jean was an environmental activist since 1972, focusing her efforts on Torch Lake and the EPA clean-up of the area. She was a member of the VFW Post 4624 Auxiliary. She loved her family and was always the happiest with a full house.
 

Jean was married to Robert Rule in 1958, and they had 4 children. Jean married Melvin Kauthen in 1977, and they had 2 children. She married Chester Butler in 2002. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Deborah and Rev. Rebecca Koivu, her three husbands, nephews Robbie and Jay Koivu, and most recently by her daughter-in-law JoAnn Rule.

Jean is survived by her 6 children, Robert “Rukka” Rule of Hubbell, Kym Rule of Houghton, Gregory “Belmo” Rule of Lake Linden, Kaye (Craig) Koskela of Lake Linden, Cindy (Phil Keranen) Kauthen of Calumet, Michael Kauthen of Hubbell, and a “bonus son,” Michael Patana. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kallista (Jim) Shortland, Eric Weijola, Thomas and Cody Crouch, Holly (Michael) Dalbec, Kortni (Bill Parkin) Rule, John and Isaac Bennetts, and Clay Hixson; by great-grandchildren, Ariana, Hailey, Alison, Ella, Ellie, Cora, Jaxson and Aria; by brothers James (Donna) Koivu of Calumet and David Koivu of Bloomington, IL; and by several nieces and nephews.
 

A Celebration of the Life of Jean Butler will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Post 90 American Legion in Lake Linden. The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at pearcefuneralhome.com

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