David E. Butz

David Earl Butz, 76, of Clear Lake, returned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, Oct. 24, surrounded by his family. His life served as a testament to his unwavering faith and love for his family.

Dave was born on Aug. 21, 1947, to Marlyn Earl Butz and Shirley Jean (Hamann) Butz. Raised on an acreage outside of Clear Lake, Dave cultivated his love of farming and developed a deep appreciation for his faith, family, and hard work. With his parents and younger brother, Ronald Paul Butz, Dave attended Grace Baptist Church in Mason City where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Dave’s strong faith formed the foundation of his life.

Dave graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1965. After attending Iowa State University, he moved back home to work on the family farm. While attending a Bible study at Grace Baptist Church, Dave met his future wife, Rebecca (Becky Almelien) Butz. The couple married six months later on Aug. 24, 1968 and settled in Clear Lake. Dave later moved his family to the Butz family farm in 1981, when his dad and step-mom, Eileen Butz, moved into town with his step-brother, Al Vierkant. Dave and Becky welcomed three children into their family, John, Sara and Joel. The family has fond memories of their annual summer vacations which were always interesting and educational. 

In 1986, Dave graduated from Buena Vista University with his bachelor’s degree in accounting. Following his employment at Principal Financial, he worked as a seasonal tax preparer for many years. Dave’s meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic made him a valued employee. A true servant, Dave also used his financial and spiritual gifts to serve Evangelical Free Church for many years as financial secretary and church treasurer. 

Music has always been important to Dave, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren. A talented musician, Dave was selected as a vocalist for the Iowa All-State Music Festival choir in 1963 and 1964, a legacy he proudly shared with his daughter and three of his grandchildren. Following high school, Dave joined a men’s quartet at Grace Baptist Church, fueling his love for gospel music. 

Nothing on earth was more important to Dave than his family. For 55 years, Dave was a devoted husband to Becky whom he described as his “everything.” He led his family with love and served as a beacon of strength and faith for his children and grandchildren. Dave’s faith was paramount throughout his life; he prayed fervently for each of his children and grandchildren to know and love Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Savior.

Dave is survived by his wife, Becky Butz; children, John (Laurie) Butz, Sara (Shawn) Puttmann, and Joel Butz; grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Jadan) Smith, Ben Stroup, Jacob Butz, Avery Puttmann, Jordyn Butz, and Grace Butz; step-mother, Eileen Butz; step-brother, Al (Kari) Vierkant; sister-in-laws, Mary Ann Butz and Rose Almelien; brother-in-law, Jim (Kathy) Almelien; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marlyn and Shirley Butz; brother, Ronald Butz; and brother-in-law, Ron Almelien.

Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

A service to celebrate Dave’s life was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, Oct. 30, at Evangelical Free Church, Clear Lake, with lunch served immediately following. A private burial service was held at Clear Lake Municipal Cemetery.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.