May 9, 1918 – Friday, August 10, 2018
Service Information
Our Father’s Lutheran Church-Rockford, MN
Thursday, August 16, 2018
11:00 A.M.
Visitation Information
PETERSON CHAPEL-Buffalo, MN
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
4-7 P.M.
Leonard Emil Buttenhoff, age 100, of Plymouth and formerly of Rockford passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018.
He was born on May 9, 1918 in Victor Township, Wright County the son of Fred & Alvina (Reek) Buttenhoff. He was baptized June 9, 1918, was confirmed March 20,1932, and married Eleanor Pool August 19, 1941 all at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake.
He honorably served his Country for 4 years in The United States Army during W.W. II He was inducted on October 7, 1941, left the United states July 11, 1943 destination the “Asiatic Pacific Theatre” and was stationed at the Aleutian Islands, arrived back in the United States December 16, 1944 and was honorably discharged on November 4, 1945.
Following his military service, Leonard farmed for several years but due to allergies he stopped farming and moved to Minneapolis. There he installed combination windows and doors for The Richfield Yards, for thirteen years he owned a general insurance agency,and owned and managed rental properties. Leonard also had decades of interest in following and investing in the stock market. Leonard and wife Eleanor later would purchase a two hundred forty acre farm near Morris and the Morris Dairy Queen. After retirement, the couple moved to Buffalo. They divorced in 1978.
On April 20, 1983, Leonard E. Buttenhoff and Jeanette A. Peterson were joined in marriage in Littleton, Colorado. They eventually built a new home in Rockford and three years ago moved to a senior cooperative in Plymouth.
Survived by his loving wife of 35 years: Jeanette; children: Richard Buttenhoff of Savage, Diane (Virgil) Rose of Anoka, Gene (Joan) Buttenhoff of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Joan (Frank) Opay of Monticello; step children: Vernette “Lisa” (Howard) Sickle, Robert (Kris) Peterson, Susan (David) Hansen, Gerald (Barb) Peterson, Teresa (Steven) Grandlund and Deanna (Joe) Peterson; 16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; siblings: Raymond Buttenhoff, Garland Buttenhoff and Lucille Kraemer; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by parents, sisters and brothers: Ardis Buttenhoff, Edna Beauregard, Lorraine Feit, Lila Chapman, Ottomar Buttenhoff, Gladys Peterson and Melvin Buttenhoff.
Funeral services for Leonard Buttenhoff will be held on Thursday, August 16th, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Rockford.
Interment will follow at Howard Lake Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 15th from 4-7 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
Further visitation will be held on Thursday morning, August 16th one hour prior to services at the church.
Honorary Casket Bearers will be his brothers: Raymond and Garland Buttenhoff.
Casket Bearers will be Mark Buttenhoff, Erik and Kyler Grandlund, Jimmy Wong, Jason Ruch and Bruce Buttenhoff.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Our Fathers Lutheran Church.
I remember working at Van Dale with
Leonard in 1973.
Uncle Leonard was always special to me. I’m sorry that we were so many miles apart when I was growing up, and that my family traveled so little. I will always be thankful that Carol and I were able to attend his 100 year birthday celebration, and see some of the family in May. These are sorrowful times, so remember the special moments that you had with your Husband, Dad and Brother, and let me remind you that we are only here for a short time, so cherish every day that you can share with your loved ones.