Melvin Buttenhoff of Howard Lake passed away at the Howard Lake Good Samaritan Center on January 21. 2016
Memorial Service: 11 AM Monday, January 25, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake
Visitation: 4-8 PM Sunday afternoon at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake and 1 hr prior to service at church on Sunday
Interment: Howard Lake Cemetery
Melvin Glen Buttenhoff was born on September 22, 1938 at his parents’ home in Middleville Township, Wright County, Minnesota the son of Fred and Alvina Buttenhoff. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake he was baptized on October 23, 1938 by Pastor Eugene Seltz and confirmed in his faith on March 29, 1953 by Pastor Theodore Melinat.
Attending Howard Lake High School he graduated in 1957. He then served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 until 1964.
On September 28, 1963 Mel was united in marriage to Beatrice Haag at St. James Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with two children, son Daryl and daughter, Dwan. They made their home for many years on a farm in Middleville Township. Mel was employed as a sheet metal worker while also operating the farm.
Mel enjoyed his time fishing, hunting and playing dominos. He was instrumental in the Cokato and Buffalo Farmer’s Markets because of his love of gardening. As a member of St. James Church, he served on various boards. Mel loved visiting with family, friends and neighbors.
It was on Thursday, January 21, 2016 while at the Howard Lake Good Samaritan Nursing Home that Melvin Buttenhoff after a courageous battle with cancer was called to his eternal rest having reached the age of 77 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Alvina Buttenhoff; and other relatives.
Mel is survived by his loving wife Bea; son Daryl (Dorothy) Buttenhoff of Howard Lake; daughter Dwan (Larry) Tjeerdsma of Volga, South Dakota; grandchildren David, Grace, Danielle, Clare and Luke; special friends Chelsea Smith and Jared Horton; nieces, nephews; many more relatives and friends.