Robert C. Butler, age 84, of rural Blooming Prairie, died Monday, April 22, 2002, at his home.

He was born Nov. 14, 1917, in Newry Township, Freeborn County, to Thomas C. and Laura Belle (Creegan) Butler. He married Louise M. Schradle at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin on May 21, 1941.

Robert volunteered his time to the church and community as well as United Cerebral Palsy Association and agricultural organizations. He was third degree Knights of Columbus, a board member of Turtle Creek Watershed District and treasurer of Newry Township. A lifelong Newry Township resident, he was a retired farmer and full-time grandpa.

Survivors include his wife, Louise; eight children: John (Jeanie) Butler of rural Blooming Prairie, Robert M. (Barbara) Butler of River Falls, Wis., James (Linda) Butler of rural Blooming Prairie, Patricia (Phillip) Splett of White Bear Lake, Rosemary (Norman) Kephart of Comstock, Wis., Edward (Tina) Butler of Rochester, David Butler of Adams, and Susanne (Brian) Bowman of Blooming Prairie; 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Maxine; one brother, Howard; and two infant children.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 26, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newry Township, Freeborn County, with The Rev. Hubert Boschert officiating. Friends may call at the Blooming Prairie Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, and at the church one hour before the service. Interment is at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

The family prefers memorials to American Heart Association and United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota.