Claire Edwin Butin, 99, of Monroe, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at Mercy One – Newton. Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Burial was in Hewitt Cemetery. If so desired, memorials will be gifted to the PCM (Prairie City-Monroe) Science Departments.
The son of Jesse Guy and Ina Rose (Terpstra) Butin, Claire was born Apr. 3, 1920, in Newton. 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 Sept. 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.
