Fred M. Butler Obituary, In Loving Memory Of Fred M. Butler

Fred M. Butler Obituary, Death – The news of the demise of Fred M. Butler, trustee emeritus, has left us in a state of deep sadness. In 2011, Butler became a member of the Board of Trustees at Hillsdale College, where he had previously served on the college’s finance and outreach committees. Willamette University was his alma mater, and he went on to become president and chief executive officer of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. After Fred’s passing, he is survived by his wife, Karen, and their two children.

While we are saddened by Fred M. Butler’s passing, we also take this time to honor the many positive contributions he made to Hillsdale College and the lasting legacy he has established there. His many years of service, his wisdom, and his dedication to the field of education have had a tremendous impact on our organization. Even though he is not physically present with us anymore, his legacy will continue to be honored by the people whose lives he changed for the better and by the good impact he had on the community at our campus. During this trying time, our thoughts and prayers are with Fred’s family and all those who were close to him.

As you move through this time of loss, may the recollections of his incredible trip offer you some measure of comfort and solace. Fred M. Butler, may you rest in peace. Your legacy will live on in perpetuity at Hillsdale College, and your spirit will continue to inspire us as we work to sustain the standards of excellence that you held so dear and the principles that were important to you. Willamette University was the first stop on Fred’s journey through the educational system. It was there that he followed his interest in learning and established the groundwork for a lifetime of success.

His leadership stretched well beyond the confines of the academic world when he was promoted to the position of president and chief executive officer of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. The achievements he achieved in his professional life were evidence of his doggedness and his ability to see the big picture. In spite of the fact that Fred had a wonderful career path, it is the legacy he has left behind as a family man that truly shines. The fact that he is survived by his devoted wife Karen and their two children is a living testimony to the love and commitment that characterized his private life. Those who had the privilege of having a close personal relationship with Fred were forever changed as a result of his undying devotion to his family, which was reflective of the level of commitment he gave to every facet of his life.