“Butch” Lloyd Merlin Landman, born December 26, 1938, of Lowell, passed away Friday April 4, 2025, peacefully at home with family. He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Jean Landman; and parents, Lloyd and Katherine Landman. He was a true gentleman, businessman and sportsman.
He grew up in Grand Rapids with a love of boats & cars. As his father owned and ran the first car lot on 28th Street. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1957. He was drafted to the United States Army. Upon discharge he joined the family car & boat business, Landman Sport Center in Grand Rapids. He invested and dabbled allowing him to enjoy early retirement. Yet he always had something to sell.
Butch met Donna through his best friend, Dennis Schurtz who happened to be dating Donna’s best friend, Pokey. Both relationships grew to marriage and lifelong friendship. Butch married Donna and with Mike added 3 more boys, Todd, Shawn, and Kelly.
Butch shared his love of the outdoors, boats, fishing, watersports and hunting. He was a charter member of the Caledonia Sportsman’s Club and a variety of other clubs. A passion that grew with age was a love of tractors. John Deere was King and many knew they arrived at Butch’s home on Murray Lake because of the tractors on display. Many family gatherings included family tractor rides/races. Another family tradition was vacationing on Big Pine in the Florida Keys starting in the 60’s with his father.
Butch’s second love, Pam Cebelak, together they celebrated 40 years. They enjoyed boating in Charlevoix, wintering in Big Pine Key, and were proud members of Grand Rapids Elks and the Big Pine Key Moose Lodge. They attended tractor shows and estate sales; selling exciting finds.
Butch shared a lot of knowledge; most impactful were; how to shake a hand, firm while standing with eye contact, how to grill a steak, and investing in your future.
Butch is survived by his loving companion, Pam Cebelak and her family; sons, Mike, Shawn (Ivy), Todd (Sarah), Kelly (Sharon); grandchildren, Raelyn Little (Will), Logan, Luke and Jacquelyn Landman; and 4 great grands. A special thank you to the kind staff at Lower Keys Medical Center, U of M West Hospital, and CorsoCare Hospice.
Visitation will be held from 2-4PM & 6-8PM on Wednesday April 9, 2025, at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson Lowell, MI., 49331. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Parkinson’s Research at the Van Andel Institute.
14 Responses
Butch was an amazing man, my family did business with him and his family for years. Truly a great man!
My love goes out to you Todd, Sarah and Shawn
Papa Butch was a truly amazing man and friend to everyone. We’ll all miss you.
My sincerest condolences to all.
Mike,
Kim and I were saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing.
We will be praying for you and your family!
Hope you’re doing well!!
Fred & Kim Barnard
Burnsville, NC
Mike,
Kim and I were saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing.
We will be praying for you and your family!
Hope you’re doing well!!
Fred & Kim Barnard
Burnsville, NC
Your Dad ‘s smile and personality Todd remains legendary in my thoughts. I see his frequent smiles your frequent smiles. RIP Bitch.
He will be missed by many. Sorry for your loss. My condolences 🙏
Rest in peace Butch!
You were one of a kind, a true gentleman and I have missed our chats about everything and anything.
Heaven gained a good one!
Prayers for peace and comfort to Pam, family and loved ones.🙏❤️
Our love goes out to Pam and family. We loved having you as a friend and neighbor. A true gentleman.
Carolyn and Mark Mossing
Such great memories with Butch. Summers on Murray Lake. I remember Butch teaching me to sail on the small sunfish sailboat and Butch saying don’t worry we are NOT going to flip this and get wet! I was a spotter for Butch pulling Mike or Shawn skiing. The DNR was following so close he was in the wake of our boat. Butch dropped off the skier and of course the DNR followed. Butch sure was mad gave the guy heck for following so close! So many memories. Going to miss you Butch.
A much loved father! Doesn’t get better than that!
Kelly,
Our love and prayers to you and your family. What an incredible man and legacy he has built —- and a life so well lived! Peace to you in knowing you have the love and prayers of so many at this time.
Sue Greiner-Gutierrez, FBN ‘87
Kelly and Sharon,
So sorry about Butch. Thinking of you and sending lots of love and prayers to your whole family.
Todd,
Deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. We are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian and Tammie Lloyd and family.