Obituary for Morris Butler, math teacher

Morris Butler
Morris Butler, 90, died October 31, 2005 at Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria.
Morris was born March 17, 1915 in Northwood, Iowa to Ira and Emma (Vanghavgaard) Butler. As a young boy the family moved to Motley where Morris attended school and graduated high school in 1933. Morris then attended St. Cloud State University where he received his education degree.
On September 25, 1943 Morris married Irene Lavinder at Zion Lutheran Church in Lamberton. Morris enlisted in the Army where he was stationed at West Point where the couple lived for a couple of years before moving to Alexandria when Morris accepted a teaching position in 1949.
While teaching, Morris attended St. Cloud State University during the summer months to finish his master’s degree in education.
Besides being a math instructor at Central Junior High School he was also a drivers training instructor. Morris was a very active member at Zion Lutheran Church and in American Legion Post 87 in which he held a variety of posts at the local level as well as being the 7th District Commander.
Morris enjoyed fishing, gardening, puzzles, reading and swimming, in which he held the most laps swam in the Central Junior High School pool. Morris loved to spend time with family and friends, especially the grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man who jumped at the chance to volunteer or to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Morris is survived by his son, Bruce Butler of Minneapolis; daughter, Maureen House of Eagan; grandchildren, Julie Landino of Connecticut, Veronica Shaw and Brett Butler of Minneapolis; two great-grandchildren, Shelby and Devinn Butler; brothers, Harold (Geraldine) Butler and Roger (Ruby) Butler, both of St. Louis Park; and sister, Berniece Deglman of Princeton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irene; brother, Earl; and sisters, Ruth and Marian.
Funeral services were held November 4 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Terry Finnern and the Rev. William Moeller officiating. Irma Brockberg was organist and Dan Olson was soloist. Interment was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Brett Butler, Roger Butler, Harold Butler and Mitch Brand. Honorary casket bearer was Melvin Ziegelman. The American Legion Post 87 accorded military honors.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.