Rodney "Butch" Dale Genrich was born on March 8, 1942 to Arthur and Viola (Strassman) Genrich.  Rodney was blessed with an older brother, Norman Genrich, who proceeded him in death and an older sister, Carol Genrich. Butch proudly served in the Army from 1964-1966.  Upon returning home from the military he enjoyed a short career as a construction worker.  After his father's passing, Butch and his mother ran the family dairy farm, fully taking over operations upon his Mother's move to California in 1986. In 1979, Rodney married Rosaline Betts. During their marriage, Butch adopted Rose's daughter Jennifer and became a devoted stepfather to Gabrielle and Damian.  In 1981, Butch was blessed with his first biological daughter, Georgianna Marie.  Three years later, in 1984, Butch was given his biological son, and best friend, Rorydale Rodney.  The couple divorced in 1991. During the children's youth, he enjoyed spending his free time with his children.  It was important to Butch to make sure his children understood the value of hard work and an appreciation for nature.  The kids have fond memories of making firewood, being included in day to day operations of the farm and going to the corner "Store". Butch was always an avid Brewer and Packers fan.  It was a rare occurrence to walk into Butch's barn during the summer and not hear the voice of Bob Uecker.  A nightly routine of his after chores were finished was to take a short drive around the "block" in which he had resided his entire life.  In early 2004, Butch sold all his cattle and retired from farming.  While still living in this lifelong home, he enjoyed his independence, his ability to spend as much time outside as he wanted, with minimal work to be done, and a newfound sense of relaxation. During his retirement, Butch enjoyed spending time at the corner pub playing the penny machines, making firewood, trips to the casino with Rory, spending time with his grandchildren and going for drives with his best friend, Stephen Medvecz. A very important aspect of Butch's life was his grand kids.  Whether it was spending time just hanging out or playing a game of Crazy 8's, there was a special spark that was lit when he was surrounded by them.  The kids all appreciated Grandpa's love of ice cream bars and his well-stocked freezer. Butch passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on October 10, 2020, leaving behind the comfort of a life well lived, and loved known. Survivors include a sister Carol Genrich of Durango, CO, children, Rorydale Genrich (Shannon), Gabrielle Rojas (Julio) all of Wausau, WI Daughters, Georgianna Szymanski (Jeffrey) of Edgar, and Jennifer Lukes (Tom Malone) of Athens. Grandchildren include Dayton, Dominic, and Lincoln Genrich. Isaiah and Xavier Genrich, Nick, John Lily and Violet Szymanski. JadenRose, Jonathan and Reyden Rojas, Morgan, Kaitlin and Zandria Lukes. Rodney was proceeded in death by his parents, brother, sister in law, two infant nephews and one infant niece. Services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church N365 Cain Creek Rd, Merrill, WI on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 with Visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a Service at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Calvary Lutheran Cemetery with Military honors. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.HonorOne.com