Al Butz

Butz, Al

August 18, 1921 - April 3, 2021 

     Alfred Ralph Butz was born in Kansas, moved to South Dakota at age 2, then moved with his family to Sheep Creek Idaho at age 13.  He graduated from Plummer High School in 1941, married his high school sweetheart Helen Margaret Linehan that same year, and they settled in Spokane. He served in the Army during WWII as a Staff Sergeant and was stationed in Germany. Throughout his life he worked many jobs, then decided to go back to school and became an Accountant, operating his own Income Tax preparation business.

     He loved to dance!  Square dancing, round dancing and ballroom dancing were his favorites.  He played pinochle and board games, and enjoyed bowling and fishing. He and Helen spent many winters touring the Southern and Eastern states, and Alaska, in their motor home. He volunteered as a driver and host for the homeless, and delivered Meals on Wheels.  As a gifted piano player, he shared his talent in music at Sacred Heart Hospital for 15 years. He was member of St. Mary Catholic Church for 20 years, serving on the council and acting as a greeter. 

     He was formerly a long-term member of Opportunity Presbyterian Church.  Al was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Edna Butz, his beloved wife of 56 years, Helen, his son John, brothers Paul, William, David and Keith, and sisters Ione and Alice. He is survived by his second love, Cathy, his daughter Peggy Poutre, his son Greg (wife Lorie) brother Kenneth (wife Doreen) grandchildren Laura, Brent (wife Beth) and Josh (wife Amy), as well as many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. 

    The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgeview Place Senior Care and Hospice of Spokane for their compassionate care. Services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 304 S Adams Rd, Saturday, April 17 at 10:00 am. To share memories of Alfred and offer condolences to the family visit Al's Tribute Wall.