Butch Grainger, age 76, of Hayward, WI and formerly of DeKalb, IL passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, at his home.

Charles Steven Grainger was born May 20, 1947, in Santa Paula, CA the son of Robert and Peggy (Prieur) Grainger. Butch’s father, Robert, was a pilot for the Army Air Corp who flew in three wars. With his father being a career military person, the family moved often allowing Butch to spend parts of his childhood in Hawaii, Texas, New York, and Idaho. While growing up Butch was active in the Boy Scout program and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Butch graduated from high school in Mountain Home, ID. After graduation, Butch joined the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam war where he and his father were stationed in da Nang, Vietnam at the same time. While serving his country, Butch earned the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star and two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal and Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Butch began work as an auto mechanic in DeKalb, IL. He was given the opportunity to work with the Kishwaukee Community College in Malta, IL and develop their Automotive, Welding and Collision Repair Technology programs. Butch also worked with Kishwaukee Education Consortium to develop a program for local high school students to attend classes for trade work. With his two sons, Butch became active with Bicycle Motor Cross or BMX and competing at a national level. While working at the community college Butch became a licensed pilot by working with his father. On his own he built a flight simulator for the community college. He also worked with a crop-dusting company who in trade for work, taught Butch how to become an aircraft mechanic. On November 24, 1999, Butch was joined in marriage to Elaine Vallem in Hayward, WI. Butch received his accreditation not only as Aviation Maintenance Professional but also became an Inspector of Aircraft. Butch retired from teaching in 2005 and moved to Hayward, WI. He then began Grainger’s Air Repair in Hayward and operated that until 2020. Butch had many hobbies that included bicycling, skiing, archery and fishing. He raced numerous years in the Fire House 50, Fat Tire Festival and American Birkebeiner races.

Butch is survived by his wife, Elaine; five children, Brian (Susie) Grainger of Sycamore, IL, Michael (Rhonda) Repetowski of St. Francisville, LA, Dana Repetowski of Menomonie, WI, Dalyn Bignell of Menomonie, WI, James (Tim Chapin) Ember of Madison, WI; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Bobbie (Vic) Tauber of Thousand Oaks, CA, Toni (J.R.) Starling of Aurora, NC; and four nephews and one niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A time of gathering with the family will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, at the Hayward Funeral Home. A memorial service celebrating Butch’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the Well Community Church with Pastor Brian Poole officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the State of Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program and Hayward American Legion Post #218. A private interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Well Community Church, 15580 US Hwy-63, Hayward, WI 54843.

Last Update: May 20, 2024 7:57 am CDT