William J. Butzer

WILLIAM "BILL" JOHN BUTZER was born on August 1, 1952 to Robert and Betty (Lehman) Butzer in Marshallville, Ohio. Bill was raised on the family farm outside of Marshallville where he spent his days doing chores and helping his family. He loved helping out on the farm and going to cattle auctions with his Father. He also loved riding his motorcycle and causing trouble with the locals at the neighborhood tavern. He graduated from Orrville High School in 1970. After school, he continued to help with the family business until enlisting into the US Army. He was honorably discharged in 1974. He was married on November 9, 1979 to Mary Jane (Hudson) Butzer. The couple made their home in Orrville, Ohio where Bill continued to work with his family at Sun Valley Farm and as a cattle buyer for Butzer & Sons, Inc. In 2007 they moved to Minnesota where Bill worked as a cattle buyer for JBS, Packerland and Tyson. Wherever Bill lived, he embraced the community and enjoyed visiting the local shops and restaurants. Bill’s health had recently declined but he continued his livestock career and was passionate about the cattle industry and did the job well. On Sunday, February 9, 2020, Bill died peacefully at his home at the age of 67 years.

Bill attended Celebrate Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He enjoyed watching John Wayne movies, loved watching sporting events and taking afternoon naps in the comfort of his favorite chair. He hated having his picture taken but had a smile that would light up a room. He was notorious for quoting movies like Christmas Vacation, John Wayne and Smokey and the Bandit. He was also known for saying “it’s not worth the racket, that’s why you should just stay home!” The man could tell a story like no other. He would barely get through it without breaking down in laughter. Above all, Bill will be remembered as a man that loved his family and made sure each member knew it, whether that be in person or a quick text or phone call saying “I love you”. If anything went wrong for someone in his family, he was always there to pick up the pieces with big outstretched arms and a firm hug until they continued on again. He was always just there, loving unconditionally.

Bill is remembered by his wife, Mary Jane of Luverne; children, Tracie Nolder of Columbus, OH, Annissa Furr of Peoria, AZ, Chad Furr of Wooster, OH, Tammy Case of Luverne and Matthew (Dawn) Butzer of Alcester, SD; nine grandchildren, Torrey Fike, Ryan Nolder, Riley Nolder, Colton Furr, Peyton Case, Sommer Case, Gage Furr, Beau Butzer and Barrettt Butzer; one great-grandchild, Oliver Fike; siblings, Brenda Butzer of Massillon, OH, Robert “Bobby” (Margie) Butzer of Orrville and Barry (Jan) Butzer of Versailles, KY; his dog, Smitty; and some nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.