Bruce W. Butterfoss, age 90, of Breese, passed away at Evercare of Breese on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Bruce was born in Camden, New Jersey, on February 7, 1936, son of the late Cairl and Emma (Francis) Butterfoss. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1952 and was baptized at Central Baptist Church in Palmyra, New Jersey, in 1953. Bruce graduated from Palmyra High School in 1954, where he met his high school sweetheart, Joan A. Clark. Bruce and Joan were married on September 14, 1957, and together they celebrated 69 years of marriage.
In 1958, Bruce graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree in ceramic chemistry. He began his career with Simonds Abrasive Co. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then moved with the company (later renamed Radiac Abrasives) to Salem, Illinois, until his retirement in 2001.
Throughout his adult life, Bruce was an active member of several Christian and Baptist churches, where he served at various times as a deacon, treasurer, and Bible teacher. In recent years, he was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Centralia.
Mr. Butterfoss is survived by his wife, Joan Butterfoss of Breese; four daughters, Cindy Ackles (Brian) of Marcellus, NY, Marilou Bohley (Joseph) of Dublin VA, Laura Wedekemper (Mike) of Carlyle, IL, and Susan Butterfoss of Oxnard Shores, CA; eight grandchildren, Jamie Sprague (Jarrod), Lindsey Stupp (Andy), Joseph Bohley (Corinna), Christine Ullman (Todd), Elizabeth Wolff (Craig), Amanda Wedekemper, Thomas Wedekemper (Kayla), and Elise Payan (Jean); and 16 great grandchildren. Mr. Butterfoss is also survived by a sister, Judy Johannsen of Newark, DE, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by a brother, Lee Butterfoss.
Funeral Services will be held at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton St. Carlyle, IL on Friday, October 9, 2026. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bob Ward, officiating. Interment will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family suggests memorials in his memory to Samaritan’s Purse, which will be received through Zieren Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
