In loving memory of

Claire Edwin Butin
April 3, 1920 - February 12, 2020

Claire Edwin Butin, age 99 of Monroe, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Mercy One - Newton. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place on Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Church. Burial will take place at Hewitt Cemetery. If so desired, memorials may be directed to the Family. Memorial funds will be gifted to the PCM (Prairie City - Monroe) Science Departments. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com


The son of Jesse Guy and Ina Rose (Terpstra) Butin, Claire was born on April 3, 1920 in Newton, Iowa. Claire served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1939 - 1946. His duties included radio operations and repair, link training of future pilots and Norden Bombsite maintenance. On September 5, 1941, Claire was united in marriage to Bernice Ruth Renaud of Sully. After being Principal for four years, Claire taught Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and General Science at the New Monroe Community High School. He taught for 28 years before retiring in 1983. He loved his family, friends and students and always made it a point to ask how they were doing. He was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for a number of years and made many friends. He and Bernie enjoyed doing volunteer work throughout Jasper County. His hobbies included playing the harmonica and violin. He also enjoyed repairing violins for others.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Bernie of 78 years; a son, Robert Edwin Butin; seven grandchildren, Bradley (Liz) Albers, Brian (Jody) Albers, Darren (Dawn) Albers, Lance (Jennifer) Young, Chad Young, Elizabeth (Steve Breton) Butin, Annie (Andy) Almquist; sons-in-law, Dale Albers, Myron Young, and Gene Mitchell; and 22 great grandchildren. Preceding Claire in death were his parents, two daughters, Sandra Kay Albers and Lynn Carol Young Mitchell and a brother, Carroll Butin.

Tributes

Bonnie Swalwell Eilert wrote on Feb 17, 2020:

"Claire was such a good friend!! We always looked forward to our Christmas time & many other events. Such chats we would have. I still adore the darling chair he made me, for a doll & one of my adorable wee animals. Always together for his & Roy's birthdays. Such lovely sweet memories of you both. Love, Bonnie (Swalwell Eilert)"

Jenny and Eric Anderson wrote on Feb 16, 2020:

"Bernie and family, our condolences to you. I have great memories of visiting with the two of you when Claire was restoring my Grandpa's fiddle. I loved your stories and always felt very welcomed. Our love and prayers are with you, Jenny and Eric Anderson"

Rodger Sill wrote on Feb 16, 2020:

"A great educator. I have many fond memories of Chem and Physics classes and Science Club in 1978-80. His WWII stories. Talking him into a "science" field trip to Des Moines theater to see the Disney B movie "The Black Hole". Certainly part of making me what I am."

Todd and Karla Jones wrote on Feb 15, 2020:

"Todd Jones and I send our sincere condolences to Claire's family. Claire was such a kind man that greeted everyone with care and grace whether he knew them or not. He made a forever impact on my husband, Todd Jones, and me whenbwe moved to Monroe. He was Todd's teacher mentor when Todd began teaching at Monroe HS in 1983. When Claire retired, he checked in with Todd to see if he had any questions and was always there to help Todd get a great start as an emerging science teacher. It was always a joy to see him over the years. Treasure all that he modeled and did to serve... he touched so many lives in such positive ways. Todd and Karla Jones"

Kyle Brown wrote on Feb 14, 2020:

"Mr. Butin was my high school science teacher and was one of the nicest human beings that?s ever lived. Kyle Brown"

Molly Vriezelaar wrote on Feb 14, 2020:

"Sending my condolences to Bernie.I loved Mr Butin. He made learning so interesting and fun. I will never forget Chemistry class my junior year of high school or helping him organize the conference science fair. He was a master educator and we were fortunate to have him at Monroe."

Jan (Cowman) Miller wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"Mrs. Butin and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Butin was one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever known. He had a winning smile for everyone, and he will be missed by all who knew him. May God comfort your hearts as you recall the special times that you shared with him. Love, Jan (Cowman) Miller Tacoma, WA"

Suzanne Johnson wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"Please accept our most sincere Condolences in your most precious loss. I will miss his sweet smile and soft chuckle. He was always so supportive and kind. Prayers for you, Bennie and your family. ? ?? Bob and Suzanne Johnson "

Shirley (Colyn) Lapour wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"My thoughts and prayers to his family, I was saddened to hear about your loss. He was a great man, always so thoughtful and friendly. I enjoyed him a lot, always took time to visit and have a smile for you."

Roger Kingery wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"Clair was my favorite teacher in high school. He was always patient and had a great sense of humor. I was able to stop and visit with him a few times since I graduated and always enjoyed our talks."

Marilyn McFate Davis & Mildred McFate wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"Clair was such a wonderful and thoughtful man, as well as an Excellant Teacher. Always so kind and helpful. He and Bernie were great friends with my Parents ..Warren and Mildred McFate. My mom and I are saddened by this news. We have great memories of Clair & Bernie. Our Love, thoughts and Prayers go out to the Family.??????"

Ed Cowman wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"Judith and I were two of the multitude of students who sat in Mr. Butin's science classes between 1956 and 1960. And his encouragement and example were an important influence in this Iowa farm boy's decision to go on to college! We join all that knew and valued this educator of the highest order and offer his family our condolences and prayers - Ed and Judith Cowman"

Mary Swihart wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"Clair was an inspiration and mentor to me. I remember when he was principal and I was a senior, I worked in his little office and helped him grade papers etc. He also helped me get my first job at Warner and Woodman's grocery store when I was 16. I went on to graduate and become a Biology teacher, too. Through the years when I came back to Iowa to visit, I tried to make it a point to see him. He was a very special person and I loved him dearly. My heart goes out to Bernie and the rest of his family and all of Monroe as they have lost a wonderful man."

Diana Birkenholtz wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"May the Lord comfort you all. He was one of my favorite teachers at Monroe high."

Becky Thomason Danilson wrote on Feb 13, 2020:

"What a kind kind man he was! He was my high school biology teacher. Always supportive of the people of Monroe. My thoughts go out to all the family!"