On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Richard (Butch) Donald Hunter, age 84, walked into the arms of his Lord and Savior. He was born in Grantsburg, Wisconsin on May 16, 1941, to Richard (Dick) and Opal Hunter.
He grew up in the Grantsburg area, attended Grantsburg schools and graduated in 1959. After graduation, he worked at Northern Manufacturing in the furniture department until an early retirement in 1989 due to health issues. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara (Olson), on New Year’s Eve, and they were blessed with four children: Lonnie, Desiree, Shawn and Danielle. Butch also had an extensive four-legged family who gave him great joy. He never saw a dog he didn’t want to pet!
Butch loved being outdoors and was an avid sportsman because of it. If you could shoot it, stalk it, or catch it he wanted to do it! He spent countless hours in a tree stand, boat, or fish shack. Butch passed this love on to his family and mentored many young men over the years. These relationships have grown and lasted a lifetime. He treasured the memories of their first buck, record bass or thrill of the hunt.
Ice fishing was another treasured pastime. This winter, oxygen tank in tow, he was able to get out on “Big Wood” and ice fish with his family. The fishing wasn’t that great, but the stories (and the snacks!) were top notch. His old red fish shack will always be a cherished place for family and friends. He made sure everyone was welcome.
In addition to hunting and fishing, Butch loved attending auctions with Barb. They spent countless weekends at Gary and Rhonda Erickson’s auctions. He could not stand passing up a “good deal,” especially for a fishing pole, shovel, or tool. A testimony that played out when they downsized in 2017 for their move to St. Croix Falls!!!
Being a grandpa and great-grandpa brought Butch great joy. There is no shortage of “grandpa” stories and most included treats! Butch had a sweet tooth and would always share his stash of cookies, candy, Diet Coke, and whatever else he had. There was never a shortage of chocolate chip cookies either. He also had a soft spot for sneaking treats to family pets — even when asked not too!
About 10 years before he passed Butch gave his life to Jesus Christ. This was a life-changing decision and he never looked back. He loved attending church at New Hope Lutheran Church. He knew there was more than this world and looked forward to hearing the words “well done good and faithful servant.” His family rests in the knowledge that those that believe in Jesus will see him again.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Richard (Dick) and Opal Hunter; sister, Beverly Swenson; niece, Karen Swenson; and in-laws, Urban and Maragaret Olson.
He leaves behind his wife, Barb, of 64 years; his children, Lonnie (Jim) Segelstrom, Desiree (Tim) Gundersen, Shawn Hunter and Danielle Hunter; and grandchildren, Erik Segelstrom, Amy (Tyler) Burshem, Trista (Matt) Juntunen, Jason Gundersen, Aly (Bert Graham) Gundersen, Isis, Collyn, Ian and Isaiah Hunter. Great-grandchildren, Jayden Gundersen, Rory Juntunen and Watson and Waylon Graham.
A Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9. The visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. Butch will be laid to rest in a private service at Union Cemetery in Atlas, Wisconsin.
Memorials are preferred to: Operation Christmas Child/Samaritans Purse, Gideon’s Bibles, or American Cancer Society.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444, and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, nwwicremationcenter.com.
