Vera Butrick

Vera Maxine Butrick, age 99, of Watertown, SD, Passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Prairie Lakes Healthcare. 

Vera Maxine Butrick was born May 20, 1924 on a farm 8 miles northeast of Tryon Nebraska to Edward and Florence Winters as their eighth child.  Thanks to her connection to the North Platte Canteen during World War II Vera’s name found its way to a soldier from Kansas.  They quickly became pen pals while he was stationed in the Army.  By the time the war ended they knew they were in love. 

On April 21st, 1946, a beautiful Easter Sunday, Vera and her husband Woody were married in a church full of lilies In Hiawatha Kansas.

Vera and Woody set up their first home on a farm in Hiawatha Kansas.  During their time in Kansas, they were blessed with 2 children, William Dennis and Linda Faith. 

Shortly after the birth of their daughter the family moved to North Platte Nebraska.  While Woody was employed by the Union Pacific and Vera was a devoted mother and housewife. 

In 2007 Vera moved to Watertown SD where she had adventures and laughs with her granddaughter and family.

Vera had a strong love of sewing, baking, family and faith. Vera was an avid gardener and grew beautiful flowers and veggies every summer.  From an early age she was an accomplished piano player, even playing regularly while at church as a child.   In her younger years Vera taught school in a one room schoolhouse.  During the height of WWII Vera worked at an ammunition plant in Grand Island Nebraska where she worked alongside other women to assemble bombs.

Vera was preceded in death by her loving husband Woody, her son Dennis Butrick, Daughter Linda Gasienica, a grandson, Andrew Butrick, her parents Edward and Florence Winters, 7 sisters and 1 brother.

Vera leaves behind one sister Bernice Andresen, a son in law Mike Gasineica, a grandson Scott Butrick, granddaughters, Jenn (Travis) Hemen, Lori (Bud) Pinion, and Sara Pinion.  Vera was deeply loved by several nieces and nephews many great grandchildren as well as a dear friend Lois Hamann.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham

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