1948
Rick
2025
Richard Alan Ensslin
August 23, 1948 — December 19, 2025
Butler
Richard “Rick” Alan Ensslin
The Lord called Rick home on December 19, 2025. Born on August 23, 1948 to Walter and June (Wendorf) Ensslin, Rick was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathy (Kolasinski) Ensslin, and his three children: Jeffrey and Amy (Meyer) Ensslin, Jill (Ensslin) and Jeff Bailey, and Julie Ensslin (fiancé Dan Demler). He was a proud grandfather to five beautiful granddaughters: Ileana and Anna Ensslin, Grace, Ruby, and Violet Bailey. Rick is also survived by his sister Donna (Ensslin) and Kevin Knight, as well as his sister-in-law Patti (Kolasinski) and Tom Lanza, and many nieces and nephews.
Rick had a fulfilling career at Milwaukee Tool Corporation before retiring after 30 years. He started out as Director of Safety before working his way up to the Vice President of Human Resources. He loved his job, as well as the many coworkers and long-term friends he made throughout his career.
A devoted community member, Rick was deeply involved in the Village of Butler. In 1970, he was elected Village Trustee, a position he held for 16 years. In 1986, he was elected Village President, a role he served in until 1995. That same year, Rick was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Butler Chamber of Commerce. From 2007 to 2015, he served on the Board of Directors for the Butler Clarke House. His contributions to the Butler Lions Club were also a source of great pride for him.
Rick’s Catholic faith was a central part of his life. He was a regular attendee at St. Agnes Church, never missing Mass each week. Even when traveling, he made it a priority to find a Catholic church to attend. For many years, he served as the 5 p.m. Mass usher and was also Chair of the Parish Personnel Committee.
Rick’s legacy of service, faith, and love for his family and community will be cherished forever. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the family, who will make a donation in Rick’s name to St. Agnes Church and the Friends of the Butler Library.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 27th from 10 AM to 10:45 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 12801 W Fairmount Ave, Butler. Funeral Mass to follow at 11 AM.
The Lord called Rick home on December 19, 2025. Born on August 23, 1948 to Walter and June (Wendorf) Ensslin, Rick was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathy (Kolasinski) Ensslin, and his three children: Jeffrey and Amy (Meyer) Ensslin, Jill (Ensslin) and Jeff Bailey, and Julie Ensslin (fiancé Dan Demler). He was a proud grandfather to five beautiful granddaughters: Ileana and Anna Ensslin, Grace, Ruby, and Violet Bailey. Rick is also survived by his sister Donna (Ensslin) and Kevin Knight, as well as his sister-in-law Patti (Kolasinski) and Tom Lanza, and many nieces and nephews.
Rick had a fulfilling career at Milwaukee Tool Corporation before retiring after 30 years. He started out as Director of Safety before working his way up to the Vice President of Human Resources. He loved his job, as well as the many coworkers and long-term friends he made throughout his career.
A devoted community member, Rick was deeply involved in the Village of Butler. In 1970, he was elected Village Trustee, a position he held for 16 years. In 1986, he was elected Village President, a role he served in until 1995. That same year, Rick was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Butler Chamber of Commerce. From 2007 to 2015, he served on the Board of Directors for the Butler Clarke House. His contributions to the Butler Lions Club were also a source of great pride for him.
Rick’s Catholic faith was a central part of his life. He was a regular attendee at St. Agnes Church, never missing Mass each week. Even when traveling, he made it a priority to find a Catholic church to attend. For many years, he served as the 5 p.m. Mass usher and was also Chair of the Parish Personnel Committee.
Rick’s legacy of service, faith, and love for his family and community will be cherished forever. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the family, who will make a donation in Rick’s name to St. Agnes Church and the Friends of the Butler Library.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 27th from 10 AM to 10:45 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 12801 W Fairmount Ave, Butler. Funeral Mass to follow at 11 AM.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Alan Ensslin, please visit our flower store.
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