James Gerald Butler Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Celebrating the Life of James Butler Born and raised in Austin, Minnesota, James Butler began his journey through life on April 23, 1936, and what a life it was. When Jim graduated from Austin High School in 1955, he didn’t know exactly what path to take so he attended 2 years of Community College in Austin, MN and following college, it all changed when he began working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. There he discovered his life’s work, passion for nursing, and anesthesia. Jim became one of the first male students admitted to the Presentation School of Nursing and School of Anesthesia in Aberdeen, SD. He successfully graduated, was named State School Nurse of the Year, and became a well-known freelance anesthetist (CRNA) throughout Western Nebraska, and last 17 years in Torrington, WY., a career he cherished for a total of 38 years. While in school, he met his wife of 57 years, Annette, who he married on February 8, 1964. Together they loved to golf, travel, cards, dancing, entertain with many cherished friends, and always loved his martinis. Jim could often be heard saying, “It’s 5’o clock somewhere”. Jim was a hard-working man who loved his job, his family, his in-laws, and never met a stranger. He was a perfectionist, known for having the best lawn in the neighborhood. Jim and Annette raised three children, Mark, Sonja, and Michelle, and taught them many important life lessons such as a strong work ethic, patience, and a pet peeve for littering! He was a devoted dad who never missed a ball game and enjoyed making memories with his kids on Lake McConaughy where he shared his joy of boating, skiing, tubing, and fishing. Jim also loved to hunt with his family/friends and his beloved German Shorthair, Fritz. These hunts became a long-standing holiday tradition with his son Mark and son-in-law Chuck on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings. Jim was a devoted Catholic with a passion for sharing the gospel as a Eucharistic Minister. For several years Jim and Annette would host catechism classes in their home. Jim had a way of captivating them with his teachings. Jim had a special way of drawing people to him, a soothing personality where he excelled as a leader and teacher. Shortly after retirement, Jim and Annette moved to DeSmet/Lake Preston, SD area, enjoying 18 years living on Lake Thompson. Throughout those years they made dear friendships and created precious memories with his grandchildren with ATV rides, visits to SD State Fair, fishing, cruises, and many more. Later in life he took up wood carving where his persistence and love of Christ really shined. Jim diligently carved a Crown of Thorns and/or Praying Hands for each of his grandchildren for their First Communion. Each one taking him over a year to complete, again showing his love and devotion as a grandpa. This persistence and perseverance could be seen throughout his life and even at the end of his life. When he and Annette moved into Maple Ridge, Jim was intent on starting Poker club. He made sure everyone had fun, but that they also followed the rules. Jim’s personality was contagious to everyone he met, his humor and his spirit will live on through his family, friends, and their many memories. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Clarence and Esther Butler, and his stepmother Clarissa Butler. Jim is survived by: his loving wife, Annette Butler of Omaha; son, Dr. Mark (Ann Willet) Butler of Lincoln, NE; daughters, Sonja (Dr. Chuck) Sprague of Waterloo, NE and Michelle Butler Boles of Omaha; four grandchildren, Sean and Cole Butler, and Nick and Nathan Sprague; a sister, Patricia Jorstad of Grand Rapids, MN. Memorial service will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 10:30 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Omaha followed by a visitation/luncheon at the church. Burial will take at the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Elkhorn following. A rosary will be said at 10 am before the service at the church. Memorials in his name can be made to either St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church or to Brookstone Meadows and can be left or mailed to the Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn at P.O. Box 67 who is caring for the Butler family at this time. The service will be webcasted at: reichmuthfuneralhomes.com

James Gerald Butler

April 23, 1936 - July 1, 2021