Gerald "Butch" Porting

G erald “Butch” Edward Porting, 75, of Axtell, KS died Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Life Care Center in Seneca.  Butch was born January 17, 1938 in Axtell, KS, the son of Peter and Irene (Godbout) Porting.

Butch was united in marriage to Alice Koch on February 14, 1961 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell, KS.  To this union five children were born.  Butch farmed for 30 years around Axtell.  He enjoyed gardening, collecting toy John Deere tractors, playing cards, and collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.  He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus #1163.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Rita Kuckelman, Eileen Shaughnessy, and Mary Kay Burdolski.  Survivors include his wife Alice Porting of the home; three sons, Galen Porting, Pete Porting, and Steven Porting; two daughters, Lisa Porting and Lora Porting, all of Axtell, KS; one grandchild, Sebastian Porting; two brothers, Al Porting and Eugene Porting; three sisters, Marjorie Buessing, Dorothy Landrum, and Anna Marie Kuckelman.

Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, February 11, 2013 at 10:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell, KS. Father Albert Hauser and Father Jim Shaughnessy will celebrate the mass.  Pallbearers will be Chuck Porting, Ed Porting, Mike Shaughnessy, Bruce Koelzer, Fred Feldkamp, Roger Buessing, Loren Schmelzle, and Terry Burdolski.  Honorary pallbearers are Al Porting, Gene Porting, Jeff Landrum, Mark Landrum, Barry Buessing, and Roger Buessing.  The rosary will be recited Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell, KS.  Interment will be in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Relay for Life, sent in care of the funeral home, 814 Castle, Seneca, KS 66538.