Vivian Butler

Vivian J. Butler, age 85, of Willmar, died Tuesday evening, October 12, at Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 18, at Bethel Lutheran Church Chapel in Willmar. Interment will be at Tripolis Lutheran Cemetery near Kandiyohi. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.

Vivian was born on January 7, 1925, in Fahlun Township, to Henry and Gina (Olson) Magnuson. She was baptized and confirmed at Tripolis Lutheran Church. She received her education in the Willmar schools and graduated from Willmar High School in 1942 and later attended the Oliver Barsness Business School in Willmar for one year. On February 23, 1945, Vivian was married to James Butler in Long Beach, California, where he was serving in the U.S. Navy. They made their home in Willmar and Vivian was employed as a secretary/cashier at Industrial Credit Company, later ITT Financial Services, until 1983. She then worked as bookkeeper for Juba's Inc. until her retirement. Vivian was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, the Willmar Eagle's Club and the Willmar American Legion and V.F.W. Auxiliaries. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, fishing, hunting, being outside and spending time at the lake. She loved visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and telling stories of her past.

She is survived by her son: Michael (and Paula) Butler of Darwin; four grandchildren: Michele Butler of Willmar, Todd (and Jacqueline) Butler, currently service in the U.S. Air Force in Afghanistan, Allison (and Dustin) Heilman of Hutchinson and Matthew (and Deb) Butler of Hutchinson; nine great-grandchildren: Sam, Morgan, Josie, Justine, Jillian, Lydia, Brody, Lukas and Ben; a sister-in-law: Betty Palm of Willmar; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: James in 1982; three brothers; and five sisters.