Michael J. Sawvell

Michael “Butters” J. Sawvell, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 14, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Eagles Club, 1175 Century Dr., Dubuque. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Butters was born on March 9, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Margaret Sawvell. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1975. On January 22, 1982, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vickie Travis, in Brazoria, Texas.

Butters dedicated 20 years of service to the Dubuque County Jail and also worked at Drive Line & Co. He was the proud owner and operator of Butter’s Bar for 14 years. A longtime member of the Dubuque North End Gun Club, Butters was also deeply involved in the local softball community as a sponsor, player, umpire, and volunteer. He also served as a football referee for the Iowa High School Athletic Association and was a member of the Boys & Girls Club Booster. In his free time, he especially enjoyed scenic drives with Vickie.

Butters is survived by his wife, Vickie Sawvell; his sons, Justin (Stacy), Eric, both of Dubuque, and Andrew (Becky) of East Dubuque, Illinois; his granddaughter, Nora; his brother, Steve (Melody) Sawvell of McCausland, Iowa; his half-sisters, Pamela (Paul) Woodson of East Troy, Wisconsin, Paula (Chris) Grau of Oakdale, Minnesota, Geri Sawvell of Fayette, Iowa, and Patricia (Dean Hayes) Sawvell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; along with numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret; his son, Robert, in infancy; his daughter-in-law, Kate Sawvell; his uncle, John (Irene) McGraw; his aunt, Mary Catherine (Carl) Oleson; his parents-in-law, James (Marcella) Travis; and his sisters-in-law, Linda McMurray and Debbie (Steve) Simon.

In Butters’ memory, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Dubuque and the Theresa Shelter.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, the Key West Fire Department, and all who shared a laugh and a beer with Butters throughout the years.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.