Paul Butler

Paul Butler, age 67, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Aase Haugen Homes in Decorah, Iowa.

No Funeral Services are planned at this time.

Paul was born on March 10, 1958, in Decorah, IA, son of Bartlett and Barbara (Daum) Butler.

Paul attended Decorah Community Schools and graduated from Decorah High School in 1976. He then spent some years working at Mabe’s Pizza in Decorah, and later continued his education at Northeast Iowa Technical Institute in Calmar, North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, and Northwest Electronics Institute in St. Paul, MN.

He began his career as an electronic technician at Sukup Manufacturing in Sheffield and then returned to Decorah where he worked at both Rockwell Collins and Watlow Infrared. Paul later went on to become his own boss working in the residential property renovation business. Wherever he worked, he was well regarded by his colleagues and had many friends.

In 1989, he married Jenny Thornton becoming stepfather to her son, Sam Donlan, and soon celebrated the birth of their son, Seth Butler. Paul and Jenny were later divorced.

Paul was a well-rounded individual and possessed many talents, skills, and interests throughout his life. He completed RAGBRAI multiple times, enjoyed collecting and restoring old automobiles, and was an active percussionist playing with many local bands in the community over the years. He maintained a love of music, technology, and animals throughout his life.

Paul is survived in death by siblings Anne Arends of St. Charles, IL,  and David Butler of Fairfield, his children Seth Butler of Cedar Falls and Sam Donlan of Decorah, his former wife Jenny Butler of Decorah, and beloved dog, Finn II.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Bartlett and Barbara Butler, and beloved pets Alvin, Mattie, Amy, Ray, and Finn.