Gary Butz

Gary Wayne Butz, age 83 passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 8th, 2022 in Coolidge, AZ (where he and his wife, Echo Brown had lived during the winter months) while battling Covid-19.

Gary was born on December 6th,1938 near Chicago, IL. to Clifford & Ann (Pelz) Butz Sr. Gary was united in marriage to his first wife, Patricia E. (Gole) for 40+ years, two sons were born of this union; Eric Wayne, and John Clifford. They resided in several places in Arizona, and also owning rental homes. Later after retirement he & Patricia moved to Northwood, ND to be closer to their two sons who also lived in North Dakota.

Gary was united in marriage to Echo L. Brown, of Northwood, ND. after the loss of his first wife.

Gary worked as a telephone employee in repair, service & installation for several companies until retiring in the 1980's, and then purchased a farm home west of Northwood.

Gary served on many boards; airport, fire, township, lions (in ND. & AZ.), West Union Lutheran Church, & others.

Gary loved to fly, becoming a pilot at a young age, & he owned many different airplanes over the years. Being a excellent pilot, he was always willing to take anyone up for a ride in his plane. Gary enjoyed attending the Oshkosh airshow in WI. several years w/ his wife, Echo & stepson Tim. Gary also had a passion for classic cars, owning many thru the years and enjoyed going to car shows for entertainment.

Gary loved the state of Arizona & always wanted to fully retire there, he looked forward to winters in AZ., while living in rural Northwood, ND.

Gary is survived by his wife, Echo L. Brown (married 17 yrs.) of Northwood, ND and sons; Eric Wayne (Penny), Brookeland, TX, John Clifford (Bonnie), Northwood, ND, grandchildren Gary R. (Katie), Minot, ND, Stephen, Williston, ND, Marie (Eric) Mellon, in PA and three great grandchildren; step sons Timothy Brown, Wasilla, AK., Russ (Jackie) Brown, Fargo, ND, step daughter Angela (Marlo) Jodock, Northwood, ND, step son Monty (Amanda) Brown, Hillsboro, ND, step grandchildren Travis (Sarah) Brown, Sebeka, MN, Scott (Dustylee) Brown, Wadena, MN, Darin Brown, in MN, Lacena Brown, Fargo, ND, Troy Brown, in AK, Toree' Brown, Wasilla, AK, Keyarah Morin, Fargo, ND, Skyler Brown, Hillsboro, ND, step great grandchildren Corbin, Maya, Case, Kinsley, Wesley, Jackson & a host of relatives, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nephews & nieces also survive.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; father, Clifford Sr. and mother, Ann (Pelz) and a brother, Clifford Jr., in Illinois and his first wife, Patricia of Northwood, ND., a step great grandson Tristan Brown, Wasilla, AK.

A Memorial service will be held Friday August 19th, 2022, at 2pm at Sundahl Lutheran Church, 304 3rd ST. Aneta, ND with a visitation 1 hour before the service, Pastor Russ Pollock officiating.

Gary is greatly missed by all who knew him.