Joyce Ann Butler, 78, died on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital. She was born on Nov. 24, 1946, to Arthur and Edaline (Eggert) Boettger in Denison. She grew up outside Denison and graduated from the Denison High School. On Oct. 11, 1970, Joyce was united in marriage to the love of her life, Curtis Butler. The couple resided outside of Arion. They were blessed with two children, Kristen and Andrew. Together they created a home filled with laughter and love. Joyce worked alongside Curtis on the family farm. She also worked at the post office as a rural carrier for 27 years.
Joyce would often be found sitting on her porch diligently working on her puzzles or getting lost in the pages of a book. She also enjoyed her golf cart rides through the neighborhood. Joyce had a heart full of compassion. She loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren filled her heart, and she took immense joy in every moment spent with them, teaching them the values of hard work and the importance of family. Joyce loved to help on the farm and when the harvest was finished, she would proudly say ‘Ta Da!’ to signify another year was complete.
Joyce was proceeded in death by her parents; in-laws, Hersel and Louise Butler; brothers-in-law, Arlen Gierstorf, Ramon Williams and Laverne Creese; and sister-in-law, Joann Creese. She is survived by her husband, Curtis Butler; children, Kris and her husband Jared Anastasi of Manilla and Andy Butler and his wife Kalin of Arion; grandchildren, Zoey (Damien) Bissen of Minot, N.D., Kinze Anastasi, Heidi Anastasi, Kai Butler, Max Butler, Ali Butler and Ashton Butler; siblings, Jerry (Patti) Boettger of Denison, JoAnn (Fred) Renze of Ida Grove and Janice Gierstorf of Schleswig; and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap. Pastor Aaron Terwilleger presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “On Eagle’s Wings” by Mandy Sandvold and “Well Done” by The Afters. The honorary pallbearers were Zoey Bissen, Kinze Anastasi, Heidi Anastasi, Kai Butler, Max Butler, Ali Butler and Ashton Butler. Joyce’s final resting place is at the Dow City Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of the arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
