Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
Chris Butler, CFSP
Jack ButlerRetired
Zack WilsonDirector of Operations/Ceremony Specialist
Katie Mendenhall WilsonDirector of Funeral Service Operations/Ceremony Specialist
Paul OlsonSenior Licensed Funeral Director/Ceremony Specialist
Chris Butler, CFSP, was born in Springfield, IL and is a graduate of Christ the King Grade School, Griffin High School, Springfield College in Illinois, the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, Forest Park Mortuary Science Program in St. Louis, MO, and the National Foundation of Funeral Service School of Management. Chris is an active participant in many funeral service organizations including Selected Independent Funeral Homes, International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association, and various other educational organizations, and has served in various office capacities for several funeral service organizations.
Chris is also active in the Springfield community, and is currently a member of Christ the King Parish-where he was honored as 2014 Distinguished Alumnus, Knights of Columbus Council 4179, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Bishop Griffin Assembly, American Business Club (past Board Member and past President), and is an Ambassador of Hope for the Hope Institute for Children and Families. Chris also served as a past Board Member for the American Cancer Society, past Chairman of the Business Drive for Springfield College in Illinois, past Division Chairman for the United Way of Central Illinois, and past Ambassador and current member of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. He also previously served as a member of the St. John's Hospital Advisory Council and served on the Renovation Committee for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Legacy of Faith Campaign for Christ the King Church. Chris has also has been active with Downtown Springfield, Inc. and is a current member. He served on the Advisory Board of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and on the advisory board for St. Patrick’s Grade School. He is a member of the School Board at Christ the King School and Parish Council. Chris and his wife Val are served as the 2017 United Way Campaign Co-Chairs. An advocate for animals, Chris is also glad to be a supporter of the Animal Protective League. In 2013, Chris and Butler Funeral Homes were honored by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce with the Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017, Chris was inducted into the Sacred Heart- Griffin High School Hall of Fame. In 2018, Chris & Val were honored by the Great Springfield Chamber of Commerce with the Business Owner of the Year Award for Outstanding Civic Involvement –which recognizes business owners who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, community stewardship and positive social and/or economic impact on the region.
Chris helped form the funeral home continued care program that now includes the "Holiday Help" program, designed to assist families during the holidays and other significant days. He founded the Butler Cremation Tribute Center in 2000, and started the Pet Services Division for the Cremation Center. Most recently, Chris has expanded the Butler organization to include McCullough-Delaney & Butler Funeral Home in New Berlin (2005) and Roselawn Memorial Park (2007) and has made short and long term renovations to help preserve this beautiful and historic cemetery. In addition, the Park has added more options for memorialization following cremation, a natural burial area, and Roselawn Pet Cemetery adjacent to the current cemetery. In 2015, Boardman-Smith Funeral Home became an affiliate of the Butler organization and in 2018, The Funeral Home (now known as Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center-Chatham) and Sangamon Prairie Reception Center (now known as Prairie View Reception Center)-both located in Chatham, Illinois-joined the Butler Family of Organizations.
Chris and his wife Val enjoy working in their yard, traveling, and spending time with their daughters, Camilla & Audra and their dogs Millie, and Pearl. Pearl served as a Certified Grief Comfort Dog for the Butler organization until June 2023, when she "retired" due to her age. They also miss dearly their dogs, Turney and Pippen, and cat, Jordan, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Chris is glad to be a life-long resident of the Springfield community and also enjoys the spirit that is present in each of the communities served by Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center, Roselawn Memorial Park, Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, and Prairie View Reception Center.
Jack Butler
Retired
Jack Butler was born in Taylorville, IL and lived in Morrisonville, IL until he was 6, when his parents, Bernard and Irene Butler, moved with their two sons to Springfield. It was during World War II, and his father worked for the State Highway Department; his mother was a homemaker. A third son, Patrick, and a daughter, Mary Kay were born several years later. Bernard joined the firm (Kirlin & Egan Funeral Home) in the early 1940s, having been recruited by Harold P. Butler, Bernard's brother and owner of the funeral home. Bernard died in 1954, and Harold hired Jack who was by then a junior in high school (Cathedral Boys High - later Griffin and now Sacred Heart-Griffin). Jack served two years in the U.S. Army after high school, and then enrolled at Springfield Junior College and subsequently graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago in 1960 at which time he joined the staff of Kirlin & Egan Funeral Home.
Harold Butler died in 1963, and the funeral home was purchased by Jack, his brother Jerry, Leonard Berry and Jack McCarthy in 1965. Jack and Jerry assumed sole ownership of Kirlin and Egan, and the "Butler" name was incorporated into the firm's name in 1972.
Jack married Springfield native and Sacred Heart Academy (now Sacred Heart-Griffin High School) graduate Janice Skube in 1959. They are parents of four children: Deanna (Terry) Griffin of Inverness, IL, Julie Gallagher of St. Louis, MO and Chris (Valerie), who is now President of Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center. An infant daughter May Ann died shortly after birth. There are six grandchildren: Kevin and Courtney Griffin, Erin and Kaitlin Gallagher, Camilla and Audra Butler.
Jack was active in funeral service and served the profession in various capacities, including Regional Director for the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. He was a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes (SIFH), an association if independently-owned and operated funeral homes, as well as past state chairman for the International Order of the Golden Rule, an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes and the Cremation Association of North America.
He is a member of St. Agnes Parish, the St. Agnes Holy Name Society, the American Business Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Catholic War Veterans, Bishop Griffin Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and Knight of Columbus Council 4179, the Peter F. Rossiter Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of Erin (was “Irishman of the Year in 1991), and served on the Alumni Advisory Board of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. He is a past Foundation board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield, as well as a past board member of the United Way of Central Illinois.
He is a member of Island Bay Yacht Club in Springfield. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, and reminiscing about all the time he spent working in his yard, boating, golfing and traveling.
Zack Wilson joined the staff of Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center in December of 1999. He is a Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Cremation Specialist, and Celebrant. He also serves as the Director of Operations for the Butler Family of Organizations.
Katie Mendenhall Wilson
Director of Funeral Service Operations/Ceremony Specialist
Katie Mendenhall Wilson has spent most of her life in the New Berlin and Pleasant Plains area. Katie is a graduate of Pleasant Plains High School and Capital Area Career Center in Health Occupations and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Sciences majoring in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Katie has worked in the funeral service profession since 1999.
Katie proudly joined the Butler Funeral Homes team in July of 2006 and is a Licensed Funeral Director, Certified Cremation Specialist, and Celebrant. She also serves as the Director of Funeral Service Operations for the Butler Family of Organizations and looks forward to continuing to assist area families and growing professionally for years to come.
Paul Olson was born in Dixon, IL, the son of Daniel and Harriet Olson. He is a 1999 graduate of Tower Hill High School, and he has received degrees from Lake Land College in Mattoon and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. In 2011, Paul received his mortuary science degree from Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL while serving as President of the school’s chapter of Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity.
Paul began his funeral service career helping families in Decatur, IL. Paul joined Butler Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Centers in Springfield, IL in April of 2016 as a licensed Funeral Director, Certified Cremation Specialist and Celebrant. Paul takes pride in creating meaningful ceremonies for families, and he looks forward to continuing assisting families in the years to come.
Paul currently lives in Virden, IL with his wife Ashley, two stepsons, a daughter, and a house full of pets. In his spare time he enjoys various activities with his family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, roller skating, reading and supporting charitable causes and participating in fundraisers.
Porcelain Dhooge is a first-generation funeral director from Ambridge, PA. She graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2011 with an Associates Degree and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2012. Porcelain joined the Butler Funeral Homes team after graduation and was honored to serve families in the Springfield and surrounding communities until 2016. After taking some time off to focus on her family, she rejoined the team in February 2020. Porcelain is a Licensed Funeral Director/Ceremony Specialist, Cremation Specialist, and a Certified Celebrant. She is grateful and honored to be caring for families again during the most difficult time of their lives. Porcelain enjoys spending time with her husband and their 3 children. She also enjoys cooking, working out and reading.
Judy Woerner was born in Evanston, IL and raised in Westmont, IL, the daughter of Richard and Dorla Ellis. She graduated from Downers Grove South High School and then attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. It was there that she would meet her husband Thornton. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1990, she and Thornton moved to Eugene, OR where she took classes towards a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management.
Before joining the staff at Butler as Certified Celebrant in 2011, Judy served in several positions with various not-for-profit organizations throughout Springfield and owned her own bath and body products company, which she ran out of her home.
Judy and her husband Thornton (who is also employed at Butler Funeral Homes) are parents to three grown children, Patrick, Rachel and Alison. Patrick and his wife, Alyssa, made her a grandma with the birth of Joel in November of 2019. Judy is an active member of South Side Christian Church. She loves staying active and is most proud of running a half marathon, although shorter distances are much more in her comfort zone. She is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Cheryl Garvin was born and raised in Springfield, IL; the daughter of Jerry and Mary Garvin. Cheryl is a graduate of St. Patrick’s Grade School and Sacred Heart Academy and as a member of the Blazer volleyball squad; Cheryl returned to St. Patrick’s as a volunteer volleyball coach and assisted the SHG Club teams.
Cheryl earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Accountancy from the University of Illinois in Springfield. She joined the staff of Butler Funeral Homes in June 2011 as Controller, after working several years in the accounting and funeral industry with Federated Funeral Directors. She is a member of Cathedral Parish, the IL CPA Society and AICPA; and volunteers for the American Cancer Society where she holds the position of Accounting Chair for the Sangamon County Relay for Life.
In her spare time, Cheryl is found with her family watching her nieces and nephews participate in their chosen extra-curricular activities and traveling to South Bend, IN to watch the Fighting Irish!
Chelsea Bateman was born in Springfield, IL the daughter of Charles and Cynthia Bateman. Chelsea and her family lived in many surrounding areas before finally settling in Auburn, IL where she attended Auburn High School. Chelsea enjoys going camping, river rafting, attending Cardinals games, and spending time with her family and friends. While Chelsea does not have any children of her own, she does have seven amazing nieces and nephews that she loves spending time with. In her newly found spare time, she hopes to become more active in her church and community. Chelsea joined the staff at Butler Funeral Homes in June of 2017 as the Telephone Specialist and looks forward to serving families and our community for many years.
Marian Jetton was born and raised in Springfield IL, the daughter of Gustave & Norma Schwarz. Marian has two older brothers and a twin sister, Martha. She graduated from Lanphier High School and attended Lincoln Land Community College. Marian was married to her first husband for 30 years until 2012 and has three sons, two of which are twins. She has six grandchildren, two boys and was finally blessed with her four girls. Marian’s children and grandchildren reside in the Chicago area, which makes for a nice visit for her whenever possible. She and her current husband, David Durheim, met at their 35th high school reunion in 2013 and were married in 2018. David and Marian have recently become members of Hope Church in Springfield. She enjoys visiting with family, exercising, watching St. Louis Cardinals and football. Marian joined the team at Butler Funeral Homes in August of 2022 as the Welcome Reception Specialist, and she looks forward to serving families and our community for many years to come.
Rita McCarthy
Telephone & Welcome Reception Specialist
Rita McCarthy was born and grew up in Springfield. She then moved to the New Berlin family farm when she got married, where she still lives. She is a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School, Sacred Heart Academy, Springfield College in Illinois, where she has her A.A. in Music Education and Illinois State University graduating with a degree in B.A. in Music and a B.S. in Liberal Arts. She also has many credit hours from U of I in Champaign, IL in Music Education and Lincoln Land Community College in Child Care Administration.
Rita had a career in Child Care as a teacher and owner, then as a teacher and director for 30 years before starting at Butler Funeral Home in 2015. She was a manager for Tupperware Home Parties for 10 years and taught elementary school music for 2 years. Rita still teaches private piano and is still the Music Director and accompanist at St. Mary’s Church in New Berlin where she is a member.
Rita’s four children are Melissa, deceased, Michael of New Berlin, IL, Melinda of Bismarck, ND, Megan of St. Charles, MO., one grandchild, Shane Scranton (wife Ashley) and 2 great grandchildren.
Her favorite activities are traveling, taking road trips around the USA and Europe with her daughter Melinda, gardening, creating and enjoying her Woodland Garden, reading, flower arranging and spending time with her children, family and friends.
Christina Tebrugge was born in Evansville, IN and moved to Springfield, IL after graduating from Waverly High School. She received an Associate’s degree from Lincoln Land Community College and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois—Springfield in History. Christina joined the staff of Butler Funeral Homes in 2009 as an Operations Administration Specialist. Before coming to Butler, Christina worked as an administrative assistant for 7 years at a local engineering firm. Christina spent 16 wonderful years married to Steven Tebrugge before he passed away in January, 2008 and has a daughter, Natalie. She enjoys spending time and playing with her daughter, reading, swimming and watching movies. Christina and Natalie also share our home with three cats, Vader, Anakin and Luminara and a dog, Clara.
Jessica (Boehler) Bliss was born in Springfield, IL and raised in Girard, IL. She is a 2001 graduate of Girard High School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from McKendree University in 2005. She then went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from McKendree University in 2007. Jessica joined the staff of Butler Funeral Homes in 2011 as an Operations Administrative Specialist. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeremy, has two daughters, Laken and Kynadee. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, going to the movies, shopping, and spending time with her family and all the children in her life, especially her daughters.
Neal Hovasse
Advance Planning Specialist/Family Service Director
Neal Hovasse joined the Butler Family of Organizations as an Advance Planning Specialist in March 2019.
Neal was born and raised in Jacksonville, IL. He attended college at Lincoln Land Community College and Southern Illinois University.
Prior to joining the Butler organization Neal worked in the banking industry for sixteen years and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office for two years.
Neal and his wife; Teresa, live in Springfield, IL. They have two children that attend the Pleasant Plains school district.
In his spare time, his interests include barbecuing, family camping trips, and playing with his children, Jack and Gracie Mae.
Dan Parriott
Advance Planning Specialist/Family Service Director
Dan was born in Lawrenceville, IL and raised in Decatur, IL. He served in the United States Navy for 8 years in Port Hueneme, CA and Pearl Harbor, HI and attended Hawaii Pacific University. Dan joined the financial service arena in 1993 as an insurance and investment producer with Citigroup. He was promoted to Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing and served in this position from 1994-2003. He has also held management positions with Charles Schwab and Chase Bank as a producer/manager.
Dan lived in Hawaii for 13 years where he met his wife, Ima. They have 3 children, son Drew and daughters Taylor and Morgan. They are active members at West Side Christian Church.
He enjoys golf and fishing, but most of all loves being a husband and father to his family.
Kelli Maple
Advance Planning & Continued Care Administrative Specialist
Kelli Maple was born in Springfield, Illinois the daughter of Robert and Kathy Maple. Kelli grew up in Rochester, Illinois where she graduated from Rochester High. She attended college at Lincoln Land Community College and Lincoln Christian University where she studied psychology and literature. Kelli has always been a bibliophile and avid reader – with a special love for the science-fiction/fantasy genre.
The pride and light of Kelli’s life is her ginger haired, neurodiverse (Autistic) son, Grady. He is also a Springfield native and attends Southeast Highschool. She also treasures her two senior dogs, a senior cat, and a new kitten. In her spare time, Kelli hikes and walks with her partner, Jon. She also enjoys swimming, Trivial Pursuit, monster movies, Batman, true-crime podcasts, K-pop and attending comic conventions as much as possible.
Kelli loves the City of Springfield and enhancing our community. She has been a mentor with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, sponsored a parent group for many years for parents of Autistic and neurodiverse children, and during her time as a Real Estate Agent she focused on finding housing for low-income families. She also has served for many years as the Director of Volunteers for Springfield’s largest “original” music festival spotlighting 100% local musicians and cuisine – The Downhome Music Festival.
Kelli joined Butler Funeral Homes in 2021 as an Advance Planning & Continued Care Administrative Specialist. She is honored to be part of the Butler Funeral Home’s family and proud to serve Springfield and the surrounding communities in this role.
Gena Walls joined the Butler Family of Organizations in 2018 as a Licensed Funeral Director and now serves as a Cremation Tribute Specialist for each of our funeral homes and for our Pet Services division.
Gena graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2013, after her youngest child graduated college. She is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, as well as a Certified Crematory Operator Specialist and a Certified Funeral Celebrant. She is a member of Pi Sigma Eta, the National Funeral Director's Association, and the Illinois Funeral Director's Association.
Gena, and her husband, Rickie, are the proud parents of seven children and the grandparents of six.
God is the head of Gena's life. She and her husband are members of West Side Christian Church in Springfield. In addition to attending church, Gena loves spending time with her family, especially when it involves cooking a big family meal and having family get-togethers. Her other hobbies include party planning, arts and crafts, painting murals, adn bowling. Gena also enjoys her volunteer work, which includes caring for the homes and pets of those who are unable to including shut-ins, nursing home residents, and those in the hospital. Gena is also good at working with her hands; she once even built a wheelchair ramp for a friend in need.
Mike Haldeman
Director of Cemetery Operations, Roselawn Memorial Park
Mike Haldeman was born in California and moved to St. Charles MO, where he graduated and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1978. Mike retired from the U.S. Army and shortly thereafter began his career in the Cemetery and Funeral Home business. He has held many positions including Market General Manager, Director of Operations, and Regional Manager, and worked as a supplier for Cemetery and Funeral Home supplies across the United States and Puerto Rico. Mike found a home at Roselawn Memorial Park in 2009, where he currently serves as the Director of Cemetery Operations. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Home Association. Mike has five children and four grandchildren which are his world and keep him very busy.
Clada Williamson was born in Charleston, IL and was raised in Chatham, IL. She is a graduate of Chatham Glenwood High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a minor in Art from Eastern Illinois University. Clada joined the staff of Roselawn Memorial Park in January of 2010. She brings forth knowledge of both the funeral and cemetery industry having previously worked for the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), a not-for-profit membership organization of independent, family-owned funeral homes throughout North America and overseas. Clada provides administrative support for Roselawn Memorial Park as well as caring, compassionate customer service and sales support to all families she serves. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, working in her yard, traveling, art, attending church, and helping those less fortunate.
Pearl is a delightful Lab/Shephard/Shar Pei mix who came to Butler after being rescued in Atlanta, GA by the Ginny Millner Rescue Agency and receiving training and certification at Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc. She was determined to be a good match for the grief therapy role based on several evaluations done according to specific criteria and guidelines requested by Butler and she was certified as a Grief Therapy Dog in 2012.
Therapy dogs have become increasingly useful in treating physical, emotional and mental health issues and interacting with a dog has been proven to lower blood pressure and releases endorphins in the body that have a calming effect on people. A gesture as simple as laying their heads on a grieving person’s lap or being there for a crying child to pet can improve the process of dealing with the emotions of grief.
We are sensitive to people with animal allergies and phobias, so Pearl does not roam freely. Typically, she will be on hand for a family’s private time of goodbye. It’s a soothing transference to pet an animal, almost as if a portion of a person’s grief is passed to the pet and lessens the individual’s burden for a period of time.
There is no additional cost to a family for Pearl’s presence and she may be requested by a family as the funeral is planned.
Jerry Butler
Jerry Butler began his career with Butler Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center (Kirlin and Egan Funeral Home, at the time) just after high school in 1957 and served in many capacities, including as a funeral director and owner for many years.
In 1965, Jerry, along with his brother, John “Jack” Butler and two co-workers, Leonard Berry and John J. McCarthy, purchased the funeral home following the death of his uncle, Harold Butler. Jack and Jerry Butler became sole owners of the firm in 1970, adding the “Butler” name to the funeral home in 1972.
Jerry was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He was also active in the community and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 364, Fourth Degree Bishop Griffin Assembly, the Sons of Erin (Irishman of the Year, 1991), and served on the board of directors for the YMCA.
After 36 years, he retired in 1993; and later died in 1999.
Mary Kay Butler-Harrelson
Mary Kay Butler-Harrelson served for more than 30 years as an integral part of Butler Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center. Joining her family’s business in 1979, Mary Kay participated in the planning and organization of corporate and business affairs, program management, staff leadership, and daily business operations. In 1995, Mary Kay began her 15-year career as an Advance Planning Specialist and Family Service Director—a career which she devoted herself to and enjoyed immensely. On May 16, 2010, Mary Kay lost her courageous battle with cancer. Her compassion, humor, and spirit remain an important part of the Butler organization.
Ralph Blissett
Ralph Blissett served for more than 35 years as the Maintenance Director for Butler Funeral Homes. His duties at Butler Funeral Homes included the maintenance of the buildings, grounds, and automobiles. The beautiful flowers and immaculate grounds were always a result of Ralph's care. With a building more than 100 years old and grounds occupying over four city lots, Ralph's skills and talents were tested on a daily basis. Yet, he came to know every inch, nook, and cranny of our 1868 Victorian Mansion and treated it like his own home. We miss his dedication, his unmistakable personality, and his friendship. Please click here to view Ralph’s online life story and guest book.
Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center- Springfield Phone: (217) 544-4646 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, lL 62703
Butler Funeral Home-New Berlin Phone: (217) 488-3535 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin, lL 62670
Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center- Chatham Phone: (217) 483-9292 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL 62629
