Randy Butcher, 70, of New Sharon, passed away Friday afternoon, Nov. 10, 2023, at Des Moines VA Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, at West Liberty Church of Christ west of Montezuma. Burial with military rites was held at West Liberty Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the family’s name to help with final expenses.
Randy Joe Butcher, son of Joseph and Allie (Hicks) Butcher, was born Oct. 10, 1953, in Oskaloosa. He graduated from North Mahaska High School in 1971. Randy worked a short time cutting meat in Oskaloosa before enlisting in the United States Navy serving as a cook. Jan. 23, 1976, Randy was united in marriage to Christine Baxter in Stockton. To this union three children were born: Daniel, Heather, and Matthew. They later divorced. Following his honorable discharge, he lived in Grinnell, and Randy worked for Hy-Vee where he managed the deli. He also managed several Hy-Vee delis in the Des Moines area along with working over the years at Brooklyn-80, Elks Lodge in Fairfield, and also did a few odds and ends jobs before starting a restaurant in Prairie City. Following his retirement, Randy decided to start a restaurant in Fremont with his son Matthew and most recently cooked at East Market Deli in New Sharon, where he helped them get their grill up and going. Randy enjoyed fishing, cookouts, fish fries, traveling, catering while working at Hy-Vee, and above all spending time with his family. He was a member of Elks Lodge, VFW, and American Legion.
His memory will be honored by his children: Daniel (Tammy) Butcher of Grinnell, Heather Lorton of Grinnell, and Matthew Butcher of Fremont; his nine grandchildren; his three great-grandchildren; a sister Zelda Rauch; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Farrell Butcher, Ralph Butcher, Dean Butcher, and Dale Butcher; and a sister Gertrude Schmidt.
