Kenneth G. Andree

Kenneth George “Butch” Andree, age 73, of Caspian, MI, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Aspirus Iron River Hospital. He was born on September 12, 1948, in Stambaugh, MI, the son of the late Kenneth “Buddy” G. Andree and Phyllis (Bialik) Andree Paro. Butch graduated from Iron River High School with the class of 1966. He attended Heavy Equipment Operator School at NMU. After graduation, he worked summers as a counselor at Iron County Youth Camp Batawagama. He also worked for a brief time on the railroad. Butch moved to Appleton, WI where he worked at a napkin manufacturing company. Wanting to be closer to home, he moved to Escanaba, MI and accepted a job at Carivous Homes building and setting up mobile homes. Butch’s career path brought him back to Iron River when he accepted a job as Steward of the Iron River Elks Lodge. Butch left the Elks when he purchased the Wooden Nickel Saloon. He also drove school bus for WIC school system. After retirement from the school, Butch built and fixed computers from his home. Missing being outdoors, he started a lawn cutting business in the Iron River area. Butch enjoyed music, playing the tuba in high school and later playing the organ. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and taking motorcycle rides. Butch spent time at Camp Gibbs target shooting and was interested in all types of guns. He had many fond memories of spending time at hunting camp and enjoyed the camaraderie. Holiday dinners and family get-togethers were favorites of Butch’s. A nice dinner out with family or friends was also a favorite. Butch enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles with his mother. He was a former member of Crystal Falls-Iron River Lodge F & A.M. #385 and the iron River Elks Lodge #1671, the Iron Range Snowmobile Club, the Gun Club at Camp Gibbs, and Sons of the American Legion Reino Squadron 21. Many afternoons were spent at the Legion watching NASCAR or football games. Butch is survived by his aunt, Kathleen Andree; several cousins; and very special friends and caregivers, Tracy Leonarduzzi and Jim Davis. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Kurt Paro and several aunts and uncles. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth G. Andree, please visit our flower store.