Edward "Ed" Butler

April 28, 1947 - April 4, 2022

Ed Butler Edward Dale {Ed} Butler, an honorable and humble man as well as a very proud and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Monday evening, April 4, 2022, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa at the age of 74 years. He was born on April 28, 1947, in Atlantic, Iowa to Dale Bradbury Butler and Irene Faith (Herbert) Butler and grew up on a small farm surrounded by a loving family dedicated to hard work and a commitment to serving the community in which they lived. His education started in Pymosa #9, a one room schoolhouse, and continued through Atlantic High School (1965), and culminated in his graduation at the University of Iowa (1969). On June 9, 1968, Ed married the love of his life, Dorothy Christinia Bruggeman in Klemme, Iowa and to this union came two daughters, Amy Jo Butler and Lisa Ann Butler. After graduating from Iowa, Ed and Dorothy moved to Oskaloosa, where they lived for the next 52 years. From that vantage point, Ed pursued many passions in life: his work; his community; the Iowa Hawkeyes, and, most importantly, his family. On April 1, 1970, Ed began his career at the Charles A. Russell Insurance Agency. In the ensuing years, he would go on to co-found Professional Insurance Counselors and later Butler Brown Insurance. He took great pride in serving his customers as friends; helping them through difficult situations and understanding their needs. His commitment was reflected in several honors. A few of which included: earning a CPCU designation; Iowa Young Insurance Agent of the Year (1979); serving on the board of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (IIAI); and State President of the IIAI (2003-2004). He tirelessly supported and advocated for his community through many civic and church endeavors. Among the many organizations in which he was active, the most notable include: Central United Methodist Church; the Oskaloosa Chamber of Commerce; the Oskaloosa Jaycees, the YMCA; William Penn University; Oskaloosa Rotary Club, and the Mahaska Hospice Endowment Committee. None of these things, however, were as important to him as his family. He enjoyed every moment spent with family, particularly on family vacations and travel, especially Iowa Hawkeye football games (Go Hawks!), Christmas trips to Florida, and family cruises. He will leave an enduring imprint on his family for future generations as they endeavor to “follow their passions” whether it be in national security, teaching the next generation, fishing, sewing, working with animals, or playing the clarinet. Ed’s family includes his wife of over 53 years, Dorothy of Oskaloosa; daughters, Amy Butler (& William Lee Campbell) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Lisa Butler (& Mike England) of Griswold, Iowa; four grandchildren: Christinia and Catherine Campbell; and Seth and Kayla Butler; a sister in law: Leola Butler of Treynor, Iowa; nieces and nephews; his in laws: Calvin (& Joan) Bruggemen of Klemme, Wayne (& Jennifer) Bruggemen of Ankeny, Barb (& Alan) Bredlow of Garner, and Norman (Angene Cronin) Bruggeman of Waterloo; special friends, the Bates’, the Edmundson’s, and the Lindgren families and his dog, man’s best friend and guardian of the house, Bella. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law: Ruth Ann and Lloyd Dreager; a brother, John R. Butler; and his parents in law: Mercer and Christinia Bruggeman. He is also preceded in death by a special friend, Carol Bates. Funeral services for Ed Butler will be held Friday, April 8, 2022, at 1 p.m. in the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa with the Reverends Chad Lierman and Molly Goodrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Visitation will be Thursday, April 7, 2022 in the Central United Methodist Church fellowship hall beginning Thursday after 1 p.m., and the family will be present in the fellowship hall 4 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be designated to the new Oskaloosa YMCA or Antique Airplane Association of Ottumwa. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bates Funeral Chapel of Oskaloosa. Ed’s family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at the MHP Serenity Hospice House for the extraordinary love and care received over the past 3 weeks.