Paul Anthony Butler 1950 - 2016

BUTLER, HIDALGO, AGUILAR

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/27/2016 at 09:50:40

Sioux City Journal
10 August 2016

SIOUX CITY | Paul Anthony Butler, 66, of Sioux City died Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, at the home of his longtime friend and companion, Cathy Profera, in South Sioux City, due to esophageal cancer.

Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded. Graveside services will be held at a later date. A celebration of his life will be 6 p.m. Saturday at Vangarde Arts, 420 Jackson Street, in Sioux City. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Paul was born on April 25, 1950, in Chicago, Ill., to Alvina (Hidalgo) and Joseph Aguilar. Alvina and Joseph divorced. Alvina married Chief Master Sgt. Lawrence Butler USAF who adopted Alvina's children, Paul and Marie and with Alvina raised them as his own. Paul traveled extensively with his family, living in Wisconsin, Alabama, Florida and Iowa. He graduated in 1969 from South Side High School in Selma, Ala. In his youth, Paul enjoyed track and field sports and placed third in the State of Illinois as a cross country runner.

Paul attended Briar Cliff College, where he readily admits he may not have excelled academically, but bloomed socially. He later attended Western Iowa Technical Community College, where he earned a degree as a licensed practical nurse. He worked in Winnebago, Neb., as a public health nurse focusing on diabetes education and management in the Winnebago community. He enjoyed this aspect of nursing tremendously and took great pride in caring for the Winnebago people. Due to restructuring in the community health department, Paul was forced to find employment elsewhere.

After several years of working at St. Luke's Mental Health unit, Paul moved into the field of hemodialysis at Mercy Medical Center. He had found his niche in life. He learned every aspect of the various duties dialysis presented and thoroughly enjoyed the patients and staff he encountered in his 27-year career. Paul was forced into retirement due to diagnosis of esophageal cancer in July 2015.

One of Paul's greatest pleasures was reading. He was a weekly patron at the Sioux City Public Library. Paul read extensively and retained what he read. If ever there was a need for a partner in the game of Trivial Pursuit, he would be the man you'd want on your team. Other interests included leather work, collecting and listening to a vast array of music, attending Saturday In The Park (never missing the event since its inception in 1991). He enjoyed participating in the Winnebago Pow-Wow's, where he would meet up with friends and family members to celebrate his Native American heritage. Paul enjoyed camping and tubing down the Niobrara River, traveling, watching T.V. especially the History Channel, his yearly fishing trips with his dear friends, attending men's night at their club, eating Mexican food and spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Eli.

Left to mourn the loss of this extraordinarily wonderful man is his partner of 23 years, Cathy Profera; Cathy's sons, Joseph (Jackie) Profera and James (Tho) Profera; one sister, Marie Blackwell of Portland, Ore.; one grandson, Eli Profera; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many close friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his daughter, Emily Butler; Cathy's daughter, Whitney Profera; his parents; grandparents; and a sister, Vicki Butler.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sioux City Public Library.