Cook County Commissioner, Chicago soul legend Jerry 'Iceman' Butler family say they weren't involved in planning funeral
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — The family of the late Cook County Commissioner Jerry “Iceman” Butler is appealing to his caretaker, who has planned a visitation and funeral for him.

The 85-year-old Chicago soul music giant and Cook County politician died last month.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Now, Butler’s sons say they hope to have their father’s body at a tribute planned by the family.

The grieving sons say this time is made more challenging due to conflicts with their father’s caretaker.

“Difficult, difficult,” Randy Butler said.

“It’s too much; we should have been involved in it,” Tony Butler said.

Their father was a Cook County commissioner for over 30 years.

But, most people knew him from his career in music.

Known as the Iceman, he performed with the Impressions, and had a successful solo career before going into public service.

Terisa Griffin credits her singing career to Butler. She started as one of his backup singers.

On Wednesday, Griffin was with Butler’s sons.

They believe the late singer’s caretaker has power of attorney over his estate.

They allege the caretaker has not involved them in planning a visitation and funeral service this week.

They are asking that Butler’s remains be present for a memorial service the family is planning for next week.

“I just don’t understand how someone could work against a family that’s already in so much pain,” Griffin said.

“It’s like you are doing this on purpose, and it’s not right,” Randy Butler said.

The caretaker, who prefers to be referred to as Mr. Butler’s assistant, declined an interview Wednesday, and said she has no comment on the allegations made by Butler’s sons.

For now, Butler’s assistant is moving forward with visitation Thursday, and the family is moving forward with its public memorial on March 12.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Who dropped the ball? Texas officials blame DOGE cuts

Texas officials point fingers at reduced DOGE funding for errors

In the Hill Country area of Texas, flooding is a common occurrence.…
Trump reacts to claim Iran could force US to pay for strike damage

Trump responds to suggestion that Iran might make the US cover costs of attack damage

Donald Trump laughed at the suggestion that Iran could make the United…
Doctors warn of dangerous trend putting millions at risk of cancer

“Health Alert: Millions at Risk of Cancer Due to Dangerous Trend, Warn Doctors”

A fringe theory is catching fire online, and health experts are sounding…
Bravo lawyers want Leah McSweeney case to be heard in private, her counsel calls foul

Bravo attorneys seek to have Leah McSweeney’s case held in private, while her legal representation objects.

For once, there’s an ugly fight that Bravo doesn’t want its viewers…
Dalai Lama turns 90, gets global support in challenge for China

Dalai Lama celebrates 90th birthday with worldwide support amidst tensions with China

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, turned 90 on…
Subway riders deliver street justice to brute who grabbed screaming woman on platform

Subway riders deliver street justice to brute who grabbed screaming woman on platform

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A group of everyday…
How America's 'experts' burned their last shreds of credibility

The Diminishing Credibility of American Experts

The first six months of the Trump administration have not been kind…
Texas dad hailed a hero after injury while saving family from flood

Heroic Texas Father Injured While Rescuing Family from Flood Recieves Praise

The family of a Texas father who died while rescuing his loved…