Bruce Allen Butchko

Bruce Allen Butchko, 78, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family on September 26, 2026. He was born on July 11, 1948, to Roscoe and Virginia (Thomas) Butchko in Streator, Illinois. After graduating from Southern Illinois University in 1970, Bruce worked as a financial advisor and agent with Country Financial for 43 years. He married Susan (Halm) Butchko in 1998, and they shared 28 wonderful years of marriage.

Bruce graduated from Crete-Monee High School. He attended SIU on a basketball scholarship and played for four years. Although he didn't take up the offer, he was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1970. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, spending time with his children and grandchildren, woodworking, dad jokes, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Bruce's kindness, sense of humor, and patience won him many friends, and his physical stature was matched only by the love in his heart.

Bruce was predeceased by his mother, father, and step-mother, Lila. He is survived by his wife Susan and his blended family: Jennifer (Brian) Frisby, Kara (Christopher) Richert, Dana (Jim) Rogers, Kirk (Jo-Anna) Butchko, Elaine (Andrés) Cabrera, Nora (Joseph) Villarreal, Maggie (Grady) Alderman, Grace (Fred) Pelzer, his brother, John (Chris) Butchko, and 20 beloved grandchildren.

A visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, October 2, at Ottawa Funeral Home, with interment immediately to follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Donations will be directed to local charities.