Wayne Edward Butzin

Wayne Edward Butzin, 67, of Rocky Ridge, OH peacefully exited this life surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness, Saturday, April 18, 2015. He was born October 24, 1947 in Toledo, OH to the late Victor and Edna (Sievert) Butzin. Following his graduation in 1965 from Genoa High School, Wayne began working for Libbey- Owens- Ford at their East Broadway facility. Called to serve his country, he spent two years in the Army and then returned to L-O-F. He had 37 years credit with Pilkington (L-O-F) when he retired as a Technical Engineer. Traveling for work, he was honored by taking his wife to South Africa and Texas for their second and third honeymoons. Wayne also enjoyed working for the Gordon Lumber Company, Oak Harbor before full retirement. Moving his family to Rocky Ridge in 1972, he later purchased and began filling his barn with tractors and equipment. Watching the Detroit Tigers was his passion, possibly not missing a single game in retirement. His other sport favorites include The Ohio State Buckeyes and Detroit Lions football, along with every single sport his grandchildren played- they were his pride and joy. Over the years he enjoyed playing softball, bowling, golfing, and playing cards and was content watching, listening, and laughing with all his family and friends. Elected as a Council Member for the Village of Rocky Ridge in 1993 he later was elected Mayor in 2000, with improvement to his town being very important. Wayne was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Oak Harbor. He also maintained memberships in the American Legion Post #114, Oak Harbor, Ohio Farm Bureau, and S.C.R.A.P. Important to him was visiting his children and grandchildren which would also include trips to a casino or to an area auction. The grandchildren will remember him the most for the John Wayne movies either at home or with him on road trips. Wayne Butzin lived by the saying, "Talk low, talk slow, and don't talk too much."-John Wayne. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years Sandra (Kania) of Rocky Ridge; children: Janice (JT) Reese of Mansfield, OH, Pamela (Craig) Jess of Oak Harbor, and Michael (Nicole) Butzin of Okeana, OH; grandchildren: Jalen/ Jeryn/ Jakobe Reese and Jacob/Elizabeth Butzin; brother Dennis (Bonnie) Butzin of Oak Harbor, and sister Vickie Butzin- Perry of Curtice, OH; sister- in- law Jane Whitaker of Oak Harbor; brother- in- law Jim (Marcia) Kania of Rocky Ridge. He was also preceded in death by his father and mother- in- law Walter and Mary Kania, and his brothers-in-law Tom Avers and Ralph Whitaker. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-7:30pm at the Crosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Oak Harbor Chapel. A Parish Wake Service will begin at 7:30pm Thursday evening at the Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am Friday, April 24, 2015 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Oak Harbor with the Rev. Timothy F. Ferris celebrant. Burial will be in Limestone Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosserfuneralhome.com. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH 43449