Larry Raymond Butzlaff

Funeral services for Larry Butzlaff, 76, of Greene, will be 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene, with Pastor Daniel Flucke officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 at Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. First St. Greene.

Larry Raymond Butzlaff was born in Charles City, Iowa on December 27, 1942 to Raymond Julius Herman and Marjorie Ruth (Neal) Butzlaff and died on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019 at the Valley View Care Center in Greene. He lived all his life near Greene. Larry graduated from Greene High School in 1961. He then started farming with his father.

Larry was united in marriage to Brenda Barrett on Nov. 23, 1963 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene. Three children were welcomed into the family on Nov. 21, 1971; John 5, Diane 4, and Allison, 3. What a change that was!

Larry loved farming and was known in the neighborhood as someone that could fix just about anything, especially anything with a motor. Many times he would be brought a weed eater, lawn mower, or other small engine items that the professional shop could not fix. Larry would wave his hand over it and say WORK and believe it or not, it would start much at the amazement of its owner. There were many laughs when this happened. After farming for 37 years, he rented the land and started working at Diversified Fastening in Charles City and retired 5 years later a 2nd shift supervisor.

Larry collected many things, fishing reels, lighters, jack knives, caps, jackets and shoes. Flea markets and thrift stores were always on the menu when he and Brenda were on their road trips. Over the years the family took many camping trips out west. Following his cancer diagnosis, Larry could go to the farm but not get out of the van, he was able to enjoy his great grandkids as they ran around the yard playing.

Larry was always happy and helpful to anyone that needed help. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a softie for animals and loved his furry friend, especially his dog Chloe.

Living family members include his wife of 55 years, Brenda; Children John (Christine) Butzlaff of Independence; Diane Buss/ Tim Buss Greene and Allison; Allison Reams/Dennis Jensen, Greene;

Grandchildren, Crystal Wordes/Rob Wiedmeyer, Elma; Tabitha (Damien) Mennen, Greene; Angel Fisher and Miranda Fisher, Bassett; Colin Butzlaff , Cedar Rapids; step grandchildren, Heather (Cody) Kennedy, Tuscon, AZ; Rick Gulusha (Taylor Dawson), Independence; several great grandchildren: Kamron, Mallory, Jacob, Kyra, Emma, Maia, Noah, Jaymison, and Koah; his mother, Marjorie; and his faithful canine companion Chloe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family at P.O. Box 219, Greene, Iowa 50636

Arrangements have been entrusted to Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. First St. Greene, 641-823-4457; www.retzfh.com.