Neal “Butter” Lucas Ireland
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Neal “Butter” Lucas Ireland
May 22, 1984 – November 26, 2025
Neal Lucas Ireland, lovingly known as “Butter” and online as “UnknownButter,” passed away on November 26, 2025, at the age of 41 after a difficult battle with depression.
Born on May 22, 1984, Neal was the fifth child of Ron and Peggy Ireland. He grew up surrounded by the joyful chaos of a big, loving family. His happiest memories came from long days at the lake, a family trip to a dude ranch, and countless game nights where laughter filled the room.
In 2009, Neal reunited with an old friend, Katie Smeltzer, and quickly realized he had found the love of his life. They married on April 30, 2011, and spent nearly 15 years building a life filled with devotion, resilience, and deep love. Together, they faced challenges, including raising a daughter with significant special needs, always meeting each day as a team. Neal was a loyal and generous husband, and the most fun-loving, involved, caring father to their three children.
Neal was gifted in the world of IT, able to break down and rebuild computers with ease his unique talent and work ethic shining through in everything he did.
He is survived by his wife, Katie; his children, Charlotte (“Lottie”), Tinsley, and Max Ireland; his parents, Ron and Peggy Ireland; and his siblings: Natalie (Tim) Kirchhoff, Nathan (Beth) Ireland, Nick (Kelly) Ireland, and Noelle (Sean) Bielak. He also leaves behind his nephews, Shaymus and Killian Ireland and Emery and Calvin Kirchhoff; his nieces, Callie and Harper Ireland and Ashlyn Bielak; his great-nephew, Finn Ireland; his in-laws, Harve and Debi Smeltzer and Megan Smeltzer; and his loyal dog, Sully.
Neal loved his family with his whole heart. People often remarked on what an incredible father he was, and his children would agree wholeheartedly. They will forever miss their silly, Marvel-loving, video-game-playing daddy.
Katie, Lottie, Max, and Tinsley will continue to honor Neal by living fully and carrying forward the love, humor, and devotion he poured into them every day.