The Honorable Emmanuel J. (Butch) Vuvunas, age 84, passed away on June 2nd, at his home in Green Valley, AZ.

Butch was born in Milwaukee, WI on March 13, 1942, son of the late Reverend John E. Vuvunas and Helen (nee: Mandropylias) Vuvunas. After graduating from Horlick High School class of '60, Butch attended the UW extension and later the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he earned his law degree in 1967. Butch served as Racine's Assistant District Attorney and Deputy Family Court Commissioner before being elected Judge of Racine County Circuit Court, Branch 4 in 1979. He loyally served for 25 years and was proud of the fact that his decisions were rarely overturned. Hе retired in 2004 but continued serving as a reserve Judge.

Butch was an avid racquetball player in his younger years, but his true calling was playing Bridge, having earned the rank of Saphire Life Master by the ACBL. He played multiple times per week and played his final game the day before his death (and placed 2nd!). "Uncle" Butch's passion was spending time and creating special memories with his nieces and nephews as well as their children. As a judge, he performed wedding ceremonies for several of them. He took great joy from their recurring visits to AZ.

Butch was happily married to the love of his life, Janet, for 44 years. She saved his life many times, contrary to his assertion that he saved hers. They enjoyed traveling, especially the road trips, the highlight being the trip to Greece and the island of Samos, his father's birthplace.

Butch is survived by and will be dearly missed by his wife Janet; sisters, Mary Jacobs and Effie Dadaou; in-laws,  Donald (Lorraine) Porter, Thomas (Julie) Porter, Kristine (Scott) Phillips; numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Father John E. and Helen Vuvunas; his sister, Penny Vuvunas; brothers-in-law, Ted Jacobs and Adam Dadaou; and great-niece Stephanie (Jacobs) Buhler.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on June 23rd at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street, Mount Pleasant, WI 53406. A private ceremony for the family will occur separately at Caledonia Memorial Park.

Service Details

A private ceremony for the family will be held at Caledonia Memorial Park.