Nancy Butler

BUTLER
Nancy Jane
Surrounded by her family's love, laughter, gratitude, and sorrow on February 6, 2017. Nancy was born in Ticonic, Iowa, on April 21, 1932. She was united in marriage to Donald Gene Butler in Smithland, Iowa on June 20, 1951. Preceded in death by parents Marion Nickolisen, and Ethel Miller Nickolisen; father-in-law, Donald A. Jessen; mother-in-law, Bernice Jessen; brother, Miller Nickolisen; sister-in-law, Doris Nickolisen; and grandson, William B. Schroeder. Survived by her husband, Donald Gene; daughters Melanie (Randy) Schroeder; Melissa (Richard) Severance; Monica Perme; grandchildren Andrea Schroeder (fiancAC. Erik); Grant, Anna, and Jack Perme; nephew Darwin (Brenda) Nickolisen; nieces Kathy Menin; Karla (Dave) Lange: Tricia (Doug) Durst; Amy (Dennis) O'Neal; other relatives, neighbors, and friends. Nancy could make anyone in her presence feel exceptional. The truest things are felt not said, and while words fail, anyone who experienced her warm acceptance will know instantly what these words describe. Few people have so many gifts all mixed together; many can cook, or decorate, or arrange flowers: but Nancy's graceful gift of planning and organizing, generosity, eye for detail, love of nature, and heart tuned to kindness, combined in a soft-souled style was astonishing. She was a true artist the way she made her home, and our lives. Nothing threw her off her course of quiet faith in life. This spring, there will be some very sad hummingbirds on Hidden Bay Road. Memorials preferred to St. Labre Indian School, or to the University of Minnesota CFANS Donan Scholarship. Celebrants are invited to share in all or part of a gathering at the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center on Friday, February 17, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (3:00 for fellowship; 4:00 for worship; and from 4:45 for a meal).