Karl E. "Butch" Barkow, Sr., age 78, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday December 24, 2023. Born on June 25, 1945, in Germantown, Wisconsin, to the late Carl and Rose (Spohn) Barkow. He graduated from Shawano High School and completed two years at NWTI. He was a truck driver for 36 years for H.C. Prange. On April 13, 1985, Butch was united in marriage to Jean Dorsey in Cecil. Butch was proud of his forty years of sobriety which started in 1983 and you could never find him without a cup of coffee in his hand. Butch was known for being an amazing storyteller and made sure you would hear a story at least 3 times. As a member of the Walleyes for Tomorrow, he loved mentoring children about the outdoors and especially fishing. Butch volunteered at I.N.S. Crane Foundation and at the Salvation Army. He was a member of the following groups: Shawano Masonic Lodge #170, Walleyes for Tomorrow, Shawano Fish and Game Club, Shawano Gun Club, N.E.W. Beagle Club, Braw Bluebird Restoration of Wisconsin and White Clay Lake Sportsman Club. Besides Butch's love for his family, his true passion in life was fishing.  He will be dearly missed.

Butch is survived by his wife, Jean Barkow; sons, Kevin (Tammy) Barkow and Karl Barkow, Jr.; four grandchildren, Ben, Brendan, Trinity and Amanda; brother, Lance Maltbey; his fur friends Cookie and Chip

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Rose and brother Tony Spohn.

A funeral service for Butch with Masonic Rites will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday December 30, 2023, at the Shawano Masonic Lodge with Chaplin Blue Peterson officiating. Visitation will be held at the lodge on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of service.

The family requests that all monetary donations be made out to the Salvation Army.

Butch would have wanted everyone who attends his service to dress casually, as he did himself. Camo and suspenders are welcome and appreciated.