Charles (Lou) Butkovich

Charles Louis Butkovich (Lou), 93, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at home in East Wenatchee, WA. Lou was the fifth child born to Luka (Louis) and Marija (Mary) (Dragicevich) Butkovich on October 23, 1932 at his parent’s home in Roslyn, WA. Lou grew up on their small farm and learned the value of hard work by helping with daily chores, spending long days herding cows, and delivering the milk his family sold. During his life he lived in Roslyn, Pullman, Germany, and the Wenatchee Valley — which was home to him for seventy years. Lou graduated from Cle Elum high school, attended Centralia Community College, and Washington State College where, in 1956, he earned a degree in Pharmacy and acquired the training he used throughout his sixty-plus year career as a pharmacist. After graduation Lou joined the US Army and was stationed in Giessen, Germany where he was assigned to a medic unit and worked in the dispensary. When his enlistment ended, he got a job at White Drug in Wenatchee and after a short time became a co-owner/operator of Eastmont Pharmacy where he spent the majority of his career. Lou also served as a pharmacy consultant for several nursing homes in the Wenatchee area for many years. After selling Eastmont Pharmacy, he worked at other local pharmacies as a manager and later as a fill-in helper. His love of being a pharmacist compelled him to continue working well into his eighties. Lou took great pride in his work, enjoyed the company of his co-workers, valued helping people with their medical needs, and relished developing countless friendships along the way. His generosity and sense of humor were evident throughout his life and greatly appreciated by those around him. Lou was a member of several professional pharmaceutical organizations and the WSU Alumni Association. Family was the utmost important to Lou and his greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved. Rose, his wife of sixty-two years, was the light of his life and it was rare for them to spend much time apart. He treasured time with his children, Mickie and Michael, and loved his nearly daily interactions with them. Lou also cherished spending time with friends — many of which he met in childhood. Throughout his life Lou enjoyed fishing, skiing, bicycling, and other fitness activities. He was a member of the Wenatchee Applarians for many years and regularly attended church services which brought him much comfort and peace. Lou was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charlie and John; sisters, Manda and Gena; and several nieces and nephews. Lou is survived by his wife (Rose); daughter (Mary Lynn “Mickie”); son (Michael Paul); and many other relatives. Recitation of the Rosary will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 10:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am both at Holy Apostle’s Catholic Church 1315 8th Street NE East Wenatchee, WA 98802

Charles (Lou) Butkovich

October 23, 1932 - February 2, 2026