Hattie J. Butenhoff

Hattie Johanna Butenhoff, 93, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held this summer in Clear Lake.  Memorials can be directed to Hospice of North Iowa, 232 2nd St. SE, Mason City, IA 50401. Cards can be directed to Hattie Butenhoff, 925 N. Washington Ave., Mason City, IA 50401.

Hattie was born Herta Johanna Baro to John and Grace Neuhaus Baro on Sept. 16, 1921, near Oldenburg, Germany. She immigrated to the United States in 1923 with her parents to the Hampton, Iowa, area. Her only sibling, sister Gesene died at the age of 11. Thinking about Germany gave her much joy and she was able to return as an adult to see her birthplace. 

She graduated from Hansell High School and attended the State Teachers College of Iowa. Hattie married Orval Butenhoff on March 21, 1943. They spent their farming years together, first in Dumont, Iowa, then later moving to Ventura and eventually moving to Clear Lake for their retirement years. 

Hattie and Orval were always there when any of their children needed them - always with open arms. She was a wonderful Christian woman, very active in the church. She led women’s groups, printed the bulletin, which was not an easy task at that time, taught Sunday School and together she and Orval led the youth group. They were considered a blessing to so many people besides their own children. They treasured the times spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hattie’s greatest wish was that her family would come to know the Lord as she had as a teenager while attending an EUB church in Dumont. Most recently they were members of the Evangelical Free Church in Clear Lake. Many people in the area remember them from the auctions that they attended and also from seeing them sit in their driveway along Highway 18. 

She was preceded in death by her sister; parents; and also her loving husband, Orval, in 2008. 

She is survived by her son Richard (Sherry) Butenhoff, Mason City, Shannon Miller: Michael, Amber, Nic, Taylor, Hunter, Steve; Steven Miller; Brandi (Jay) Clayton: Jason, Kristen (Michael), Alex; Kristi Butenhoff: Maggi, Maddi, Joe, Riley; Ami Weese; JoHannah (Joshua) Chambers. Also daughter, Rosemary (Harlan) Pals, Clear Lake, Krista (Doug) Holmes: Nathan (Allie) Bear Don’t Walk; Michael Holmes; Betsy Chapin. Emerald Pals: Clayton Babcock.  And daughter, Ronda( Mike) Wiltgen, Boise Idaho. She also has five great-great-grandchildren. 

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