Robert (Bob) Edward Butters

Robert Butters, age 86, passed away on September 16 while surrounded by family.

Robert (Bob) was born in Albert Lea, MN to Robert Butters, Jr and Alice Butters. Robert's family includes 3 sisters: JoAnn (Curtis) Rietveld, Beverly (Roger) Thompson, and Darlene Butters.  His nieces and nephews include: Todd Rietveld, Brian Rietveld, Amy (Todd) Sanders, Beth (Dan) Tollefson, Jeff Thompson, Michelle (Brad) Romer, Christine (Darren) Hanson, many grand nieces and nephews.  He also had many cousins who he loved seeing at family reunions and other family get-togethers .  

Bob was very proud of being in the National Guard out of Albert Lea.  He owned Busy B Ranch which included 39 acres of land in Indianola.  He owned and cared for cattle.  He also owned two horses named "My Pal" and "BT-S Little Squaw”, which he showed at the Iowa State Fair in the pleasure show level.  He worked with the Sheriff's department as a Deputy Sheriff with his horse "My Pal".  He was proud of being able to wear his .357 magnum while on duty.    He enjoyed attending family reunions where he was the family photographer, fairs, and special events.  He was a gifted artist who loved painting using acrylics and watercolors.  His hobbies included boating, fishing, and deer hunting on his farm with his best friend Dick Forinash who he met in the early 60's.  Dick, Bernadine, Bobbi and Billie Forinash were his family in Iowa and took great care of him by having him over to their house for meals, treating him to desserts and sweets, and helping take care of him with his health, farm and property. 

Bob received a Bachelor of Science at Mankato State in Art and Geography with a minor in Biology (including learning how to fly fish).  He also earned additional credits from: Missouri State College in Kirksville, MO, and Drake University in Des Moines, IA. Bob worked for 25 years at SE Warren School District as a K-12 art teacher, and one year at a k-12 Christian School in Sheraton, IA.  He also worked for Corn Belt Window and Door in Des Moines for over 20 years.  

Bob is survived by: his sister Darlene (DeDe), and brothers-in-law Curt and Roger. He was preceded in death by Robert Butters, Jr (Father), Alice Butters (Mother), and his sisters JoAnn (Joie) and Bev.  

Services for Robert  will be held on Friday September 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service with Pastor Charles Teixeira officiating; visitation will begin one hour prior. Following services please join the family for Lemonade and Sweets (per Bob's request). Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea.  Please dress in jeans and country wear.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul.