John Galen Buterbaugh “Galen”

John Galen Buterbaugh “Galen” died Sunday, June 17, 2012.

Galen was born July 19, 1917, on the family farm north of Waukee, Iowa, to Orville and Susan Hawbaker Buterbaugh. Galen married Esther Johnson on March 23, 1940, in Crofton, Neb. He farmed on the family farm and commercially raised turkeys until 1972 when he and Esther moved to Dallas Center, Iowa, where Galen enjoyed growing beautiful roses, gladiolas and a large garden.

After retiring from farming, Galen worked for the Waukee and Granger, Iowa, school districts for 12 years as a school bus driver and a custodian. He and Esther moved to Swisher, Iowa, in 2004 and in 2010 they moved back to Dallas Center to reside at Spurgeon Manor. Galen also enjoyed woodworking and made beautiful furniture for his family. Galen was a lifelong member of The Dallas Center Church of the Brethren, where he served as the custodian for many years.

Galen was preceded in death by his brother-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years; his sister, Velda Morris of Waukee; his son, Gary of Lakewood, Colo.; his daughters, Linda Williams (Everett) of Swisher, and Deborah Buterbaugh Quarton (John) of Littleton, Colo.; three grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and seven stepgreat-grandchildren.

Also special friends, Barbara and Ed Lewczak and Rachelle Mineck.

Memorials may be made to the family in care of Iles Funeral Homes-Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center, Iowa. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at The Dallas Center Church of the Brethren. Burial will follow at the Brethren Cemetery, Dallas Center.

Published in The Gazette June 23, 2012.