Claire M. Butz age 92 of Clinton, Iowa passed away Thursday June 12, 2025 at The Alverno Health Care Facility. Cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at DuPont Pavillion at a later date. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Claire was born on Nov. 22, 1932 in Ridgeway, IA the son of Stephen and Martha (Mitchell) Butz. He was educated through the 8th grade in Ridgeway, IA. In 1946 he moved with his family to Clinton, IA where he attended Lyons High School, graduating in 1950. On April 17, 1952 he married Erma Steines; she died on Jan. 1, 1993 after 40 years of marriage. He worked at DuPont for 38 years as a Millwright and welder, retiring in 1991.
He was a member of the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he served as lecturer. He was a former Webelos and Cub Scouts Pack #1 Leader, former Assistant Scout Master and Scout Master of Troop #1. He served as a Neighborhood Commissioner for Boy Scouts and Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow.
Claire was a 25 year member of Rock River Jim Beam Bottle and Specialties Club, where he served as President for 10 years. He was a former 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Lecturer and Chief Counselor for the Squires (Youth Group of Knights of Columbus). He was a former member of the Moose Lodge and Clinton AMVETS Auxiliary.
On May 20, 1995 he married Geraldine Clausen; she died on May 9, 2016 after 21 years of marriage. With Geraldine he enjoyed taking bus trips, traveling long distances to family, Class Reunions, and going to the casino.
Claire is survived his 4 sons, Jan (Robin) Butz of Camanche, IA, Joel Butz of Clinton, IA, Jerry (Julie) Butz of Gallatin, TN, and Jon (Tammy) Butz of Camanche, IA; 4 step-daughters, Lynn Brandt of Perry, IA, Sheryl Sullivan Elkhart, IA, Jacie Rannfeldt Clinton, IA, and Kim Pennock of Clinton, IA; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brothers, Lester and Steven; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, his son, Jay Butz, his sister, Dorcas Greenslade and brother-in-law, Robert Greenslade; nephew, Del Ray Greenslade, and sister-in-law, Natalie Butz.