Herland W. Bouwens Jr.

Herland W. “Butch” Bouwens Jr.

Newark—Herland W. “Butch” Bouwens, 61 died on Monday, November 18, 2024, at his home after a long battle with multiple health issues including Kidney Failure. 

A Private family funeral will be held at a later date.

Through medical efforts and guidance of the Strong Memorial Kidney Transplant and Muscular Dystrophy teams, his quality of life was enhanced by after receiving a Kidney from his son Clay, eight years ago. We are forever grateful for this incredible gift.

Butch was born on December 31, 1962, the son of Herland and Esther DeCann Bouwens. He attended Newark Schools and was the sole proprietor of Butch’s Body Shop for thirty-five years, where his four sons are employed. His life was not long but his accomplishments were many. Among the properties he owned are a cottage he built on Cross Lake, the Full Moon Campsite in Yates County and many others. He appeared on Channel 13 after building his own Batmobile. He coached Vince Lombardi youth football for years and road his Harley Davidson to Sturgis.

He brought a light so great to this world, that his light will always remain. He did it right with his constant source of wisdom, humor and nick-names. He had a full and complete life. Butch lit the way for others and was everybody’s favorite curmudgeon. 

 He is survived by his mother Esther; four sons Herland III, Clayton, Benjamin and Henry. many grandchildren; sisters Lori Dickinson, Julie Robinson and Amy Colf; the mother of his children Christine; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He was predeceased by his father Herland Sr.; brothers-in-law Chris Robinson, Joe Dickinson, and Craig Colf.

 www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com