Wilfred "Butch" Christopher Rael

Wilfred Christopher “Butch” Rael passed away peacefully at his home in Gillette, Wyoming on August 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Gardner Colorado on September 9, 1939, he spent a large portion of his life in Meeker Colorado, where he attended and graduated from Meeker High School in 1957. Butch’s mother, Georgina, passed away when he was eight years old and he spent his remaining childhood years, raised by his grandmother, Mary Rael, aunt and uncle Martha and Ernie Garcia, surrounded by love and many cousins! Butch joined the Marines straight out of school and served with considerable pride, stationed at the Third Battalion Marine Corps Supply Center, Barstow California as a general warehouseman and earning a Good Conduct Medal. Upon his discharge, he went to barber school in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He lived with his aunt and uncle, working as a barber for many years. While in Pueblo, Butch met and married Mary Ann Aragon in 1961 and they had four children, Sheila, Boby, Willie, and Johnny. Upon their parting of ways, Butch chose to return to Meeker buying a pool hall he called Oscars. During this time Butch met and married his second wife Judy Sutton in 1973 and they had two children, Abby and Greg. After selling Oscars, Butch chose to pursue a career as a Journeyman Electrician, a career path he was enthusiastic about and shared with those who he apprenticed, still working as electricians to this day, namely Gene Sutton and son Willie Rael. After traveling the United States doing electrical work, he eventually returned to Meeker and worked his remaining career as a barber in Rangely, Colorado until his retirement in 2010. In 1993, Butch met and married his third wife, Catherine Weidig. During their 33 years together, they enjoyed many good times and loved dancing together. They moved to California for several years, enjoying time with Boby and Willie and grandkids, before moving back to Parachute, Colorado. In 2019, Butch and Catherine made the decision to move to Gillette, Wyoming where Abby and Greg live. Butch’s favorite pastimes were playing golf, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family on big family vacations, at BBQ’s, holidays, and game nights and watching the Denver Broncos play. He loved sports of all types and was a great football enthusiast. Butch is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Rael; sons, Willie (Modesta) Rael, Greg (Randie) Rael; daughters, Boby Rael, Abby (Scott) Crowley, stepchildren, Jason (Michelle) Gregston, Heather (James) Roe and Kelly Veccharelli, sister Boby Wise and brother, John (Nan) Wise. Butch has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren were all loved and adored by their Papa, and they will miss him and the adventurous times they shared. Butch is preceded in death by his mother, Georgina Rael, grandmother, Mary Rael, son, John Rael and daughter, Sheila Rael. The family of Butch would like to personally thank Stillwater Hospice for all their care and support. There will be no funeral services, however a celebration of life for Butch will be held in May of 2027 in Gillette, Wyoming. Friends and family will be notified as to the exact date and place closer to the event. Butch wanted everyone to celebrate his life, and he will be missed by all who love him. Condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com