George Charles Butz

George C. Butz “Corky” -87, passed away Wednesday  June 1, 2016 on his 87th Birthday with his loving family by his side.
He was born in Auburn, the son of George J. and Louise (Guzik) Butz.  At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served from 1946 to 1948. On Jan 24, 1959 he married Barbara Ann Hoff of Auburn at Sacred Heart Church and stayed in the Auburn area where they raised their family.  In 1991, after 38 years of employment at ALCO of Auburn, George retired and moved with his wife to Roswell, New Mexico. He lived there for 13 years where he was able to fulfill his role of Grandfather to the children of his eldest daughter. He then moved back to the Auburn area in 2004 for the purpose of being close to his future grandchildren from his youngest daughter and remained here until his passing.
George was a man who worked hard throughout his life to provide for his wife and family of 7 children. He took enjoyment in traveling and gardening which lasted through to his golden years. Every Sunday morning George would faithfully attend church services whether at Sacred Heart or the Assumption Church in Roswell or a church in the area he happened to be.  Sports were a major part of George’s life. He was a diehard Detroit Tigers fan and bled Orange for the teams of Syracuse University. Whether watching a game in a stadium or rooting for his teams from the comfort of his home, to coaching his children and grandchildren’s teams, George was there, he was part of the game. His grandchildren were the sparkle in his eye and the heartbeat of his later life. Being able to spend a moment with any of them was the greatest treasure to him.  Every year on July 4th, all his family would converge at his home where he enjoyed sitting with his grandchildren watching the parade pass in front of his house. George was a man always looking to make someone smile or laugh, whether with a joke or a prank, and even in his last days, making someone laugh was his ultimate final gift.  
George was pre-deceased by a son Stephen and a sister Doris Portello. He is survived by his wife Barbara, 4 Sons - David, Paul, Andy and Phillip Butz, all of Auburn; 2 daughters- Susan Hinkle (Matt) of Roswell N.M. and Tricia Clark (Scott) of Auburn. 5 Grandchildren - Preston Mahy (Colette Acosta), Tiffany Mahy (Justin Crum) of Roswell N.M. and Sabin, Logan and Tristan Clark of Auburn , 2- Great Granddaughters Daijah Mahy and Aurora Crum of Roswell N.M.
Graveside services will be held at South Park Cemetery in Roswell N.M. on June 27th, 2016 at 10am.
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