William V. “Bill†Butrum - Rochester

ROCHESTER – William V. "Bill" Butrum, 75, of Rochester, died Thursday (May 3, 2012) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

William Vernon Butrum was born March 3, 1937 in Indianapolis, Ind., to William and Lena (Antle) Butrum. He was raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Decatur Central High School before joining the U.S. Navy. He trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center before being based at San Diego, Calif. He met Irene M. Van Allen in San Diego and on Nov. 30, 1955 they were married at United Brethren Church in Rochester. Bill served at various duty stations but enjoyed his time in Japan the most. He was discharged in 1958 and the couple made their home in Rochester.

In his free time he volunteered at his church as a bus driver supporting ministry activities and special events. He worked for Michael’s Restaurant for 17 years, and he worked for Pace Dairy for 10 years until he retired due to disability. Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He spent time visiting relatives and friends and doing puzzles and latch-hook rugs. His grandchildren spent many hours doing puzzles with him and sitting on his lap looking at books.

Survivors include his wife, Irene; his daughter, Dawn (Mike) Pruett of Rochester; three sons, Jeff (Lisa Tupper) of Eden Prairie; John (Lisa Burrington), and Jason (fiancé Kelly Jacobson), of Rochester; eight grandchildren, Jessica (Jeb) Taylor, Justin Pruett, Danielle Butrum, John Butrum, Jr., Nathan Butrum, Olivia Butrum, Sawyer Jacobson, Madeline Butrum, and Jack Butrum; his great granddaughter Olive Taylor; and his brother, Stanley (Trudy) Butrum of Mooresville, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother, and one niece.

Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Rochester Chapel, 1624 37th Street NW, Rochester. The funeral service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 9,  with visitation one hour before, at Autumn Ridge Church - Timothy Chapel, 3611 Salem Road SW, Rochester, with Pastor C. John Steer officiating. Lunch will be served after the service. Burial will be in the Berne Cemetery at Berne with Military Honors by the Kasson American Legion Post #333 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Minnesota Museum for Veterans and Emergency Services or Disabled American Veterans.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.