Roland Lawrence LaViolette

Roland "Butch" Lawrence LaViolette, passed away unexpectedly on October 9, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on November 14, 1936, in Oconto, to Lawrence and Eleanor (Noel) LaViolette, attendeding local schools in Oconto. Butch worked various farming and welding jobs throughout his life.

A vibrant personality, Butch was known for his gregarious nature and love of socializing. He won numerous tractor pull competitions and had a passion for attending auctions with friends in search of threshing machines and antique tractors. Butch cherished his time spent deer hunting and traveling around Wisconsin, especially Sturgeon Bay. He also had a weekly gathering with friends at the local fish frys.

Survived by seven children, Lynn (Mark) Rozmiarek, Randy (Sandy) LaViolette, MaryAnn (Terry) Crandall, Ricky LaViolette, Darrell LaViolette, Patricia (Bryan) Hinkfuss, and Steven (Shaina) LaViolette; step-daughter, Michelle (Larry) Ninnemann; 25 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He is further survived by four siblings, Beatrice LaViolette, Elizabeth (Bob) Lepinski, Jim (Bonnie) LaViolette, and Laura Noack; brothers-in-law, Marvin Jarvey and Allan Bohl; and sisters-in-law, Betty LaViolette and Donna Johnson.

Preceded in death by his wife, Barb; parents, Lawrence and Eleanore; grandson, Allen LaViolette; siblings, Linda Jarvey, Mary (Bob) Coshnet, Ronald LaViolette, and Janet (Cliff) Rudolph; sisters-in-law, Dottie (Eugene) Peters, Shirley (Carl) Mueller, Rosemary (Spike) Zoller, and Carol Alstabt; and brothers-in-law, Dennis Johnson, and Wayne Bohl.

A visitation will be held for family and friends after 9:00 am on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Stiles. A funeral will follow at 11:00 AM with Father Tom Pomeroy officiating. Burial to follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Oconto Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Butch's Memorial Fund.

A special thanks to first responders in Howard for their lifesaving efforts.