Alan Duane Butterfield

Alan Duane Butterfield, of Hudson, WI died 21 Dec 2024 at the age of 93. Alan was born on 22 Apr 1931 in Waverly, IA, the son of Glade Henry Butterfield and Gean Lamb Hosteter. His family moved to McGregor, IA nine months later, where Alan enjoyed a happy childhood with his two older brothers, Glade, Jr. and Keith. He graduated from McGregor High School in 1949, where he was a basketball star, going to the state tournament in his senior year. Because the school was so small, Alan was in the senior class play his freshman year. He attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City on a basketball scholarship.

On 16 Dec 1950 in Preston, MN, he married his high school sweetheart, Jacquelyn (Jacki) Grove from Monona, IA and they shared 74 years of marriage. The couple were the beloved parents of four children: Diane Gean, Sue Marvelyn, Jamie Pat and Todd Alan.

In 1954, Alan bought the Elk Boat Line, a small marina and boat passenger business on McGregor’s Mississippi River shoreline. He received his Coast Guard license to operate up to a 60-ton water craft for hire. The remainder of his working life he was involved with boats and marinas. After selling the Elk Boat Line in 1962, Alan managed marinas on French Island in La Crosse, WI and in Prairie du Chien, WI. The Butterfield’s moved out of WI to MN in Feb 1965, landing in Stillwater at the Port of Sunnyside. During the 29 years, Alan was at Sunnyside he weathered the marina being sold in 1971 to become a condominium marina, he operated the store and service department under the name of Butterfield Marina for 3 years. The marina took back the service operation in 1973 and hired Alan to manage the marina where he was instrumental in rebuilding and reconfiguring the marina docks. After 29 years, he retired from the Port of Sunnyside in 1994.

Alan was a former Mason and Shriner, as well as being active with the Stillwater Job’s Daughters as Associate Guardian during the years his daughters were active members. He was active in the noon Stillwater Rotary, serving as president in 1983. He served as liaison between the Stillwater Rotary and the National Rotary during the Polio Plus drive to immunize children in third world countries. He was a past president of the Upper Marina Association, helping to form the Waterways Association and served on the advisory committee with regards to river front property for the Stillwater Council. He was a member of the St. Croix Yacht Club for 30 years and served as House Chairman. He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church. Many members of the community will remember him as the video photographer for the Stillwater Ponies football team for many years.

Alan and Jacki loved entertaining on their 70’ houseboat, the Leading Lady, hosting many parties, showers, weddings and donating their boat for charitable events. They especially enjoyed the boating times with their children, their spouses, grandchildren and friends.

Alan was predeceased by his parents, his brother Glade Jr. and his wife, Chris Butterfield, a Butterfield great grandson in 2014 and son-in-law, Craig Hale in 2019.

He is survived by his wife, Jacki and his four children: Diane Caucutt (Ronald), Sue Picard (Jeffrey), Jamie Hale and Todd Butterfield (Ann O’Brien); his 14 grandchildren: Nathaniel Caucutt (Alexandra Delingette), Jeremiah Caucutt, Matthew Caucutt (Greta Hendrickx), Philip Caucutt (Laurie Sheats); Heather Picard Scheuerman (David), Heide Picard (partner, Paul Beckfield), Ryan Picard; Rebecca Wood, Christopher Wood, Rachel Wood Becker (Nate), Adam Hale (Jennifer Gillis); Alan Butterfield (Christina Marchenese), Michael Butterfield (Jeanise Gorenchan) and Scott Butterfield; step-grands Lindsay Banderas (Berney) and Ryan Zeuli; his 21 great grandchildren; brother, Keith Butterfield of Dallas, TX; nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

A celebration of Alan’s life will be Saturday January 4, 2025, 4:30 P.M. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater. Family will receive friends following the service.

Click here to view Alan's livestream celebration