Warren “Butch” Brownlee, 88, has passed away in Illinois

Warren "Butch" Joseph Brownlee, 88, of Lake Villa, Illinois, passed away on March 19, 2025. He was born on December 15, 1936, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Harry and Tessie Brownlee. Butch grew up in Lake Villa and attended local schools, including Lake Villa Grade School and Antioch High School, where he excelled in sports. After graduating, Butch joined the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in California and worked in food service for two years. Once he returned home, he married Alice Kathleen Shea on October 22, 1960, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wadsworth. Throughout their 64 years of marriage, Butch and Alice enjoyed traveling and hosting gatherings. He was an active member of the Lake Villa Volunteer Fire Department, serving for 25 years and reaching the rank of lieutenant. He also worked in the Meat Cutters Union for 27 years and later became an inspector for the Lake County Building and Zoning Department from 1986 to 2004. In retirement, Butch volunteered at the Lake Villa Township Office, helping seniors with shopping trips. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. Butch is survived by his wife, Alice, a brother, James, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Claudette Hammond. Visitation will take place on March 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM until the service at 6:00 PM at Strang Funeral Home in Antioch. Burial will be private. Donations can be made to the Lake Villa Historical Society in his memory.