Harley D. “Butch” Guell
Harley D. “Butch” Guell of Fond du Lac, WI went home to be with the Lord on September 24, 2023, at the age of 76. He was born on May 11, 1947, the son of Harley L. and Mildred (Hodorff) Guell.
Butch was a member of Grace Evangelical Free Church of Fond du Lac where he loved singing in the choir and praising the Lord.
He proudly served his country in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970, where he served as a mechanic at the DaNang Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. He was exposed on multiple occasions to Agent Orange at the DaNang Base. Agent Orange is believed to be the source of his illnesses.
When he returned Stateside, he served as a County Sheriff for Fond du Lac County under his Uncle John Cearns, whom he loved dearly.
In 1971 he purchased his first business, North Main Auto Body. Many of you will remember the slogan “We mend everything but broken hearts.” North Main Autobody was the first business in Fond du Lac to sign up for the Division of Vocational Redevelopment Program, employing individuals with disabilities.
A few years later, he purchased Fond du Lac Auto Sales, working alongside his brother Randy and son Chad. Throughout the years, Butch became a well-known and respected businessman.
In 2013, he was diagnosed with a rare cancer (Non-Hodgkins Triple Hit B Cell Lymphoma) that had a 0% survival rate. Through the help of his cancer team, his incredible faith in God, and his research, he was able to assist with his treatment plan, and, miraculously defeat this cancer. According to Dr. Tim Fenske from Froedert, Butch became a walking miracle and testimony.
In 2021, he was again diagnosed with another rare blood cancer, MDS. He underwent a 2nd stem cell transplant in January 2022.
His brother Randy was a perfect match and donated his stem cells. He was told to not expect remission, yet once again, he was declared cancer-free and amazed the medical staff. Through his many health battles, his faith in God never wavered.
A deeply devout Christian, Butch made it his life’s purpose to share the love of God with everyone he met. He was a kind-hearted soul, always eager to lend a hand to those around him; never asking for anything in return. In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, Butch loved being a mentor for local schools. When he wasn’t found doing something with cars, he was with his grandchildren. He loved snitching their snacks, taking them to car shows and then out to eat, and, attending their many sports functions. His grandkids were the light of his life and gave him immense joy.
Butch also enjoyed playing sports. He was always found on the basketball courts, the baseball diamonds, or at the golf course. He won many awards and accolades throughout his life.
Before his mom passed away, he enjoyed taking her on special Sunday drives. After his 2nd cancer diagnosis, his daughter Sheri picked up that tradition and would take him on drives which always ended with ice cream.
He also had a special love for his daughter-in-law Jacky. She coined him “Papa Smurf.”
Butch was also known around the world for raising show pigeons and earned the title of Master Breeder. He was truly one of the best.
Butch leaves behind his loving wife, La Qing Zhou (aka Sugar) of 20 years. Daughter Sheri, son Chad, daughter-in-law Jaclyn, and grandchildren HarleyJohn, Aalyiah, Lorelai, and Xavier Guell of Fond du Lac. Step-daughter Huang Qian of China, her husband Zhang Ming Qi, and granddaughter Hannah. His adopted children, Nicole Guell of Fond du Lac, and her children Mercedes, Emme, Anthony, and Oliver; Jeremy “Jay” Guell, and his children, Casey Guell. His sister Karen Stewart (Glen), brothers Randy (Karen), Chuck(Colleen), Phil (Cindy), Joel (Lisa) and sister-in-law Deborah Guell. Many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Preceding him in death were his father Harley L. Guell, mother Mildred Guell, father-in-law Zhou Jiming, mother-in-law Guo Yinghua, brother Terry “Buck” and nephew Jerod Guell, along with his aunts and uncles.
Butch will remain in our hearts, and his legacy will live on in each one of us. Although we mourn the loss of such a special person, we take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Services will be held on Saturday, October 7th at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 163 E. 18th St., Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Visitation from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, Butch asks you to donate to TreeHouse Central Wisconsin, PO Box 680, Wautoma, WI 54982. TreeHouse is also on Paypal. Click donate, and then search for Gods 911 Team.
The family would like to especially thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff who have helped with his care at Froedtert Hospital of Milwaukee, The Agnesian Cancer Center, Dr. Michael Jones of SSM Healthcare, and Dr. Timothy Fenske of Froedtert. Along with the VA Hospital of Milwaukee and Green Bay.