Gahafer, Master Chief, USN (RET), Maurice Edward
Maurice (Butch) Edward Gahafer SKCM (SW), USN (Retired) Butch Gahafer, loving Husband, Father, Grandpa (PopPop), Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend age 78 passed away Thursday, May 6th 2021 peacefully with family by his bedside.
Butch was born October 25, 1942 in Louisville, KY son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Maurice and Rose Gahafer. Butch enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960 as a Store Keeper and retired as the highest enlisted rank of Master Chief after 30 years of service. During his Navy career Butch was on 8 different ships, 6 shore commands, served in the Vietnam War, received numerous commendations and achievement awards, and overall was a mentor to many sailors. Butch came from a huge Catholic family and was the eldest of 11 siblings. As the eldest he was easily able to fall into a leadership role in both his career and personal life. Butch had a booming voice, a huge heart, and an entertaining sense of humor. With his natural ability to lead he easily gained respect and could command a room. He was honest, could be a little intimidating, and had no problem letting people know where they stood. This may be why he was given the nickname “Grumpy”, but those that know, know he lived each day selflessly and found fulfillment in doing for his loved ones. He never sought any retribution or recognition it just simply brought him joy. Butch had a way about him that made people want to pitch in and when the “Old Man” wanted something done it got done. Now this abundance of help could be contributed to his amazing cooking. And anybody that knows Butch will attest to him being one of the best! Butch knew how to put on a feast and bring his loved ones together. When gathered he enjoyed talking about his good ol’ sailor days… Overall, he was the foundation and legacy for our family. Butch is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Joyce Gahafer; his children Brian Gahafer, Mindy Michel, husband Tony, Mitzi Wiersteiner, husband Conrad, Amber Kanoboski, husband Joseph; his grandchildren Darran Donaldson, Jammie Tanner, Robert, Christopher, and Abigail Wiersteiner, Joseph, Olivia, and Reese Kanobroski as well as great grandchildren; his siblings Carol Boatright, Louis Gahafer, Eileen Gahafer, Rose Gahafer, Michael Gahafer, Mary Hansen, Cathy Franks, Tommy Gahafer. Beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and an abundance of friends. Preceded in death by parents Maurice and Rose Gahafer, brother Bobby Gahafer, and sister Lisa Hahn.
Visitation Details
Service Details Jacksonville National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32218
Friday, May 28, 2021 2:00PM
Cathy Franks (Sister)
October 13, 2022, 11:47 pm
Butch, thanks for the many awesome memories. You will be so missed. Fly high brother. Thanks for all you did for us all. 💔
Brian Gahafer (Son)
October 13, 2022, 11:53 pm
I miss you more than I know how to Express.