Howard (Butch) Gafke

Howard E. Gafke, (Butch) age 84 of Belleville, logged his last mile on April 3, 2023. He was born on May 1, 1938, at home in Basco, WI.  He was the son of Edward and Clara Gafke. He married Alice Goad on July 2, 1960, in Madison.

Howard was a long-distance truck driver. He began his career down the highway working for Paoli Mills, then hauling milk, beer, then shifting gears to Ruan Transport hauling gas for many years, then double clutching to Bancroft Dairy for many years hauling dairy products for the 7-Eleven stores - dairies group down south to Winter Haven Florida, Houston Texas, and out east to Waldorf Maryland, then hitting that jake brake to end his “trucker jobs” with Stoughton Trucking. He has driven millions of miles holding that stick shift knob and had no accidents in his driving career.

Nothing pleased him more than coming home to his wife Alice’s home cooked meals, after being on the road for 5 days. He liked spending time with his family. In his spare time, he loved the outdoors, he enjoyed mowing lawn and gardening. Growing many vegetables that he bagged and froze for many years. His grandson Eric helped keep that garden going in his last few years when he needed help. Eric also took him fishing and anything to do with farm tractors displays/auctions on many occasions.

Howard is survived by his children, David (Lisa) Gafke of Verona, Susan (Walter) Steele of Mount Horeb, grandchildren, Eric (Jackie) McCarville, Tatum (Nick) Wienen, Jake Steele, Nicole Steele, great-grandchildren, Alana, Hunter, Emi, Takori, Ellie, Zeke; great-great-grand-daughter Adeline, two sisters-in-laws, Elizabeth (Wayne) Kalsow, Laura (Joe) Jones, and brother-in-law, Larry Goad.   �

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alice Gafke, daughters Joan McCarville and Claire Gafke, brother Leonard Gafke, sister in-laws Joyce Gafke and Linda Goad.

Dad did not want a funeral, but a celebration of life that will be held Saturday April 29, 2023, from 1 to 3pm at the Town of Montrose Town Hall 1341 Diane Ave Belleville, WI 50508

In lieu of flowers/plants please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association.