Gene (Butch) Kipina, 77, a resident of Calumet passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer with family by his side.

He was born on the family farm in Allouez on July 4th, 1939 to John and Gladys Kipina.

He attended the Calumet Public schools.

In 1961 he married Beverly Jorgenson.

He was employed at the Calumet Laundromat for a few years then worked for the Peninsula Gas Company where he retired after 35 years of service.

Butch enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, 4 wheeling, cookouts with family and friends and projects at the camp.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Deloras, brother Alan, and daughter in law Carrie.

He is survived by his wife Bev, 4 sons that were his best friends, Steve of Calumet, Kevin (Nikki) of Friendswood, TX, Dale of Calumet, and Ken (Lisa) of Calumet, 8 grandchildren, Tyler, Hannah, Kristen, Gabby, Jacob, Brittany, Cole and Austin and his special 4 legged friend Bikku. Also surviving are 3 brothers John (Elaine) of Allouez, Danny (Bonnie) of Copper City, and Garry (Suzanne) of Allouez, two sisters, Audrey (Ken) Barri of Sumner, WA and Debbie (Michael) Sheldon of Weidman, MI and several special nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Siskiwit Reception Hall on Pine Street in Calumet with Pastor Peter Vorhes to officiate. A celebration of a life well lived will follow the service at 5:00 PM.

Online condolences may be left for the family at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with arrangements.