Benjamin Butler

Benjamin Butler, 78, of Wall Lake, near Fergus Falls, died on Friday, September 25, 2015, at his home.

He was born September 17, 1937, in Estherville, Iowa, the son of Henry and Effie (Pannkuk) Butler. He served in the navy from 1956-1960. On September 18, 1960, he married Judy Schenck. Judy died in June of 1978. He then married Kathleen “Kathy” Foster on May 4, 1979, and they made their home in Spencer and Denison, Iowa.

Ben was a USDA meat inspector from 1960-1992. After his retirement, they moved to Wall Lake to enjoy his passion for fishing and the outdoors. He was later employed by the Fergus Falls school system for several years. Ben was known for his water fowl wood carvings which he enjoyed sharing with others.

He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Fergus Falls. He enjoyed many Bible studies and fellowship groups over the years. He spent many hours in this personal Bible study, writing his own commentaries and studies.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy; his daughters, Tracy (Steve) Noyes and Lori (Jason) Dacier; his son, Tony (Sim) Foster; his sister, Marjory (Monte) Kruse; his brother, Henry (Karen) Butler; his sisters-in-law, Beverly Butler, Pat Butler and Jane (Jim) Dalen; five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Judy; brothers, Wilbur Butler and Richard Butler and a sister Audrey Butler.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church
Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2015, at the First Church of the Nazarene, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Pastors Mike Voorhees and Clay Mitchell
Arrangements by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com