Earl “Butch” Edward Schmelzer, 80, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in his home. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2026, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre, located at 2121 Bowling St SW. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at St Ludmila Catholic Church. Private family inurnment will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Butch was born on December 26, 1945, in West Union, the son of Max and Janet Schmelzer. He graduated from North Fayette High School. Butch married Bonnie Houlahan on March 8, 1969, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Butch worked in Maintenance for the Cedar Rapids Community School District for 38 years.

Butch is survived by his daughters Julie (Eric) and Vicki; Sang (Ngoc); sixteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his siblings Rick (Sandy), Ruth (Daryl), Rita, and Rosemary; and many nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Bonnie Schmelzer; and son Brian Schmelzer.