Walter H. Butz, 91

Walter H. “Rosie” Butz, 91 years old, residing at Creekside Inn (Memory Care Community) in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed peacefully on Dec. 23, 2017, at Kootenai Health, in Coeur d’Alene, when the flu proved too much for his already frail health.

Walter was born March 13, 1926, in Denver, Colo., to Samuel Butz (Denver, Color.) and Edith K. (Strausheim) Butz (Greeley, Colo.). In 1944, following his graduation at North High School in Denver, Walter went directly to basic training at Farragut Naval Base in Bayview, Idaho. As a Seabee, he served as an electrician’s mate third class until he was honorably discharged in 1946 at the end of World War II. Following his service in the Navy, Walter spent his entire working career at what eventually became AT&T as a telephone installer, and later as an engineering associate, until his retirement in 1982.

On June 6, 1959, Walter married Margie V. (Mathews) Hopper in Elko, Nev. The couple resided in Pocatello, Idaho, then Grand Junction, Colo. Their son, David, was born in 1962 in nearby Fruita, Colo. In 1963, the family settled in Arvada, Colo., until 1983, when Walter and Margie moved to Coeur d’Alene. Margie passed away in Coeur d’Alene on July 14, 1992, and Walter was later re-married to Irene (Delabarre) Weil in 1995, until her passing in February 2002.

Walter enjoyed downhill skiing and water skiing until a back injury from a car accident in his early 30s made those activities too difficult. He liked to be with friends, bowling into his late 70s, and going to the Coeur d’Alene Casino until his late 80s, mostly for the company. Walter was a very quiet, reserved, strong man who served his country, and cared well for his family and friends. He loved giving and accepting hugs, which endeared him to many. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Edith Butz; his only sibling, older brother Wilbert Butz; his first wife, Margie and second wife, Irene. Walter is survived by his son, David J. Wayne and daughter-in-law, Kristina T. Wayne of Post Falls, Idaho; his grandson, Aaron M. Wayne also of Post Falls; two great-grandsons, Kayden and Ryder of Post Falls; step-grandson, Elijah D. Cranford of Coeur d’Alene; step-daughters Vikki (Hopper) Wayne of Lewiston, Idaho and Marti (Hopper) Ziegler of Sequim, Wash. as well as several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Riverview Cemetery, 1001 Lincoln Way, Coeur d’Alene. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of North Idaho. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.