Ronald Butler

Ronald Lee Butler, 69, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away from a heart attack on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

Ronald was born August 11, 1940, in Lewis, Iowa, to Robert and Maxine (Marxen) Butler. He was raised in Lewis until his family moved to Atlantic when he was in the 6th grade. He then attended Atlantic Community Schools until the tenth grade.

Ronald began his working career at Hy-Klas grocery store in Atlantic. He later worked as an orderly in an Omaha, Nebraska, hospital and at Broadlawns in Des Moines, Iowa. He began his career as a Medical Examiner Assistant when he became employed at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, retiring after 27 years due to his health.

In the late 1950's he was briefly married to Mary Lou Wycoff. One daughter, Shelly, was born to this marriage.


Ronald was an avid reader and movie enthusiast. He loved to shop and enjoyed singing. He was a friend to all and loved to talk to anyone and everyone. Most of all Ronald loved to be with his family and friends.

Survivors include his daughter Shelly (Wayne) Volkl of Alburnett, Iowa; his mother, Maxine Butler of Atlantic, Iowa; his sister, Barbara (Dallas) Strand of Atlantic, Iowa; his very special friend, Bill Luzadder of Atlantic, Iowa; his granddaughters, Megan Volkl of Des Moines, Iowa, and Rachel Volkl of Alburnett, Iowa; his great-granddaughter, Emma Malmberg of Des Moines, Iowa; nephews and a niece, other relatives and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his father Robert Butler.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa. Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall following services.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.