Albert Frank Butala

Albert Butala Obituary

Albert Frank Butala, 96, of Saint Helena, CA ascended from Saint Helena Hospital on August 26, 2025 to be with his wife in Heaven. He was a Korean war veteran, Saint Helena grape grower, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Albert (also known as Al or Bert) was born in Saint Helena on October 26, 1928 to Joseph and Barbara Butala. His dad, Joseph Francis Butala, came to Saint Helena from Montana in the early 1920’s to grow prunes, walnuts and grapes. His mom, Barbara Marie Frankenstein (Butala), came from Austria in 1913 and the two were married in 1925. Their first born, Ernest Joseph Butala “Ernie Boy” was born December 10, 1925, but passed away at the age of 4 on August 31, 1930. Bert was just shy of 2 years old at the time of his passing. They also had two daughters and another son whom they named to honor the son they lost.

Bert graduated from Saint Helena high school in 1947. Along with his duties on the family ranch, he worked at Hammond Lumber. He met Oleta Gallagher, a beautiful red head, at a local dance at Native Sons Hall in 1950, but was drafted that same year. He served in the Army and was deployed to Korea. The two exchanged letters while he was away. Bert credits her for saving his life, because one night, he couldn’t sleep so he walked down the road to see if a letter was there from Oleta. While he was gone his tent got hit by a mortar round. He was honorably discharged at the level of Master Sargeant on August 31, 1952. Upon returning home, he attended San Francisco State University and went to work for Stansberry Ford. He Married Oleta on November 14, 1954. In 1957, he passed the test to be hired at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

Bert and Oleta welcomed their first son, Kenneth, on August 7, 1959 and five years later welcomed their other son, Mark on August 22, 1964. Bert was a dedicated father, steady provider and he valued family over everything. He was an instigator and had a great sense of humor. He showed his love in his actions; with the time he dedicated to others. He, along with Oleta, attended every sporting event and graduation they could. They were devoted to their children and grandchildren. He taught his boys as much as they were willing to learn about farming, mechanics, carpentry, integrity, honesty and life. When it came to his wife, he said he never argued with her because she was always right. As the years went on he gave her whatever she wanted and she was devoted to him always having food on the table for him and his paper to read after a long day. He had a close relationship with his brother, Ernie, that some would question when they would argue. “Those Butala boys are going to go to blows” was whispered more than a few times, but Bert loved his little brother in ways people rarely recognized. 10:00 every morning, was coffee time for the brothers and Ernie recalls Bert pulling up at the end of a row of grapes and making him stop the tractor and have coffee. That tradition moved to the comfort of one of their kitchens as time went on, but it was one that was important. Time is our greatest commodity and the “Butala Boys” shared a lot of it. They both loved to get a rise out of the other and neither one liked to admit they could be wrong. Under the gruffness, was a powerful bond of brotherhood that showed more and more as they aged.

Bert Butala accomplished a lot in his life. He and his brother planted zinfandel grapes in 1981 that have become part of an amazing wine produced by Caymus Vineyards. He worked for 32 years at Mare Island Naval Ship Yard and earned 4 White House recognition awards for efforts above and beyond his job requirements. He designed and manufactured parts working in the fittings and handling section of the design unit. Much of what he created was for special projects. Whenever his boys needed help or had questions on how to do something, he knew just what to do and right where to find the tools and supplies to do it. Bert was proud to be a member of the VFW and American Legion post 199. He was known for his enthusiastic contributions of his time and was often seen manning the very large grill he built for events and monthly dinners.

Bert is preceded in death by his wife Oleta Gay Butala (2022), his brother Ernest Joseph Butala “Ernie Boy” (1930), Marion Frances Butala Scruggs (2005) and Margaret Katherine Butala Hendrick (2022). He is survived by his brother Joseph Ernest Butala “Ernie” of Saint Helena, his sons Kenneth Butala (April) of Angwin and Mark Butala (Kirsten) of Napa, his grandchildren, Jake Butala of Napa, Lisa Butala of Texas and Mariah Lane (Jordan and great grandchild Nora) of Saint Helena, his nephew Mike Butala of Danville, his nieces Pam Butala of Napa and Janet Butala of Napa and many grand nephews and nieces.

Bert Butala was greatly loved and cared for in his home and was sharp minded with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes until a sudden change required medical care for comfort the day before he passed. He will be laid to rest beside his bride of 68 years on Tuesday, September 9th at Saint Helena Public Cemetery at 11:00 am. A graveside service will be held with military honors by the US Army and the American Legion Post 199 will be present. Albert enjoyed a long and happy life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

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