Eloise Butman Olsen

ELOISE (EDGECOMB) BUTMAN OLSEN was born on November 3, 1921 in Troy Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota where she was raised and received her education. In 1939, she graduated from Pipestone High School. On October 24, 1939, she was united in marriage to Robert Butman at the Presbyterian Church in Pipestone. Following their marriage, they moved to the family homestead northwest of Pipestone in Troy Township where her son, Gregg and his family reside today. Eloise and Robert raised their three children, Bruce, Phyllis, and Gregg on the farm, while raising livestock and grain farming. Eloise was very much the matriarch of the family; she was very involved in all aspects of farming including the business side. In 1965, Bob preceded Eloise in death. After his death, she remained on the farm until 1971 when she moved into Pipestone. She worked at Shirley’s Fabric Store and made frequent visits out to the farm. In 1974, Eloise married Melvin Hoem in Pipestone. They made their home in Pipestone. After their retirement, they were host and hostess at State Parks in Kansas and wintered in Texas. In 1995, Melvin died. In 1996, she was united in marriage to Elden Olsen. Following their marriage, they made their home in Pipestone. They enjoyed spending time together, especially dancing and fishing. In 2006, they moved to Ridgeview Estates in Pipestone. Elden died in April of 2012 and Eloise continued to reside at Ridgeview. In August, Eloise broke her hip which continued to be a problem for her. On Monday, November 17, 2014, she was admitted to the Hospice Unit at the Pipestone County Medical Center until her death on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the age of 93 years and 17 days.

She was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone. In their earlier years, Bob and Eloise were very active in 4-H, serving as 4-H leaders, and started Troy Toilers 4-H club. She enjoyed baking with extra sugar, fishing, sewing, dancing, quilting and crocheting. Most importantly, Eloise loved the farm, and working alongside and spending time with her family.

Eloise is lovingly remembered by her son, Gregg (Dianne) Butman of Pipestone; daughter-in-law, Sharon (Mel) Platt of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; son-in-law, Lyle (Marjie) Oye of Pipestone; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Eloise was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert, Melvin, and Elden; one son, Bruce; one daughter, Phyllis; one great-grandchild, Tanner Oye; four brothers; and four sisters.