Gregg Butman

Gregg Hiram Butman was born on May 27, 1950 to Robert and Eloise (Edgecomb) Butman in Pipestone, Minnesota. He graduated from Pipestone High School in 1968. On October 3, 1970, he was united in marriage to Dianne Johannsen at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone. They were married for 53 years. They had two children, Sherri and Justin. Gregg was diagnosed with cancer and fought for 18 years. He entered the care of the Pipestone County Hospice House and on Thursday, November 16, 2023, he passed away peacefully there at the age of 73.

Gregg was a member of Peace United Methodist Church of Pipestone. He enjoyed hunting. He loved having conversations and was always one of the last people at any event he attended. He was famous for throwing the caps off the beverage of choice until it was gone! Gregg was a proud cattleman of Pipestone County his entire life. He was passionate about cattle. At a young age, Gregg showed in many junior cattle shows with heifers and steers and he received many honors in the show ring. One of his greatest accomplishments came at age 15, his judging team won the livestock judging contest in Chicago, Illinois. He was honored Stockman of the Year at Black Hills Stock show in 2014 as a fourth generation in his family to raise cattle. Whenever Gregg received an award it was always in the name of Cottonwood Angus Farms as it was a family run operation and everyone had a part in the success! In 1977, along with Gregg's family, Cottonwood Angus Farms won the Best Six Head of and Champion Bull in Louisville, All-American Show and that was a great accomplishment. For 25 years Gregg worked the ring at the Pipestone County Fair helping youngsters and guiding them in the show ring. He also judged at National Livestock Shows. The majority of Gregg's life was raising cattle and he was a perfectionist most of the time. He always was thinking ahead of the task at hand, his brain never quit. Gregg could be an intimidating person if you didn’t know him. He had a way of pushing you to make you better. Gregg was more of a rancher than a farmer as he and machines didn't always get along (notorious for running out of gas, driving the side by sides full speed ahead or just the occasional break downs). He loved his animals and being a caretaker of all. Gregg will be remembered as a big-hearted man, with an infectious smile, and loud boisterous voice that could be heard everywhere. He was one of the most honest guys you will ever meet and he loved to have fun when getting off the farm.

Gregg is lovingly remembered by his wife, Dianne, of Pipestone; children, Sherri (Glenn) Johnson and Justin (Ashley) Butman, both of Pipestone; five grandchildren, Wesly (Kayla), Dawson, and Braeden, Bergan, and Barrett. He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Eloise, brother, Bruce; sister, Phyliss Oye; and brother-in-law, Lyle Oye.

Blessed be his memory!