Robert "Butch" Carolfi

Robert “Butch” Carolfi, 87, of Belvidere, IL passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025. He was born on December 16th, 1937 to George and Eleanor (Andres) Carolfi in the Town of Day in Marathon County, Wisconsin. Butch was the second of nine children and was born at home on his family’s farm.

Butch met the love of his life, Viola “Vi” Grossbier, at a local dance hall. The couple was wed on June 26th, 1957, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburndale, Wisconsin. Together they built a life, raised a family, and shared in 67 years of marriage.  He retired from Chrysler as a skilled pipefitter where he utilized his natural ability to solve problems. This talent extended to helping family and friends when there were challenging issues to be resolved. His woodworking creations are treasured by many.  Butch also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and meticulously maintaining the yard on his riding lawnmower. In the summer, he could be found sitting in a lawn chair on the driveway and waving to anyone who would honk on the way by.

Butch is survived by his loving children Jan (Kurt) Helmig, Lori (Mark) Nelson, Bud (the late Cheryl Platt) Carolfi, and Jodi (Steve) Rippon; his grandchildren Kayla and Courtney Rippon; siblings Shirley Ertl, Marion Weiler, Ruth (Clifford) Hamus, Ken (Sue) Carolfi, and Jerome Carolfi.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents; his devoted wife, Vi; his brothers Larry and Ronald and sister Jean Phillips.

Our sincere gratitude to Butch and Vi’s caregivers Chris, Cristy, Heather and Heidi for the kindness, support, and care provided to our family.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, from 9:00am to 10:30am at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am at St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere, IL followed by internment at St. James Cemetery. Butch’s family invites you to a luncheon in his honor at the VFW in Belvidere at 12:30pm.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.