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Mary J. Butler

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Mary J. Butler, 89, of Pittsburg, died Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at her home. She had been in ill health the past nine months.

She was born October 4, 1933 in Wausau, WI to G.F. Bartelt and Ruth Weber Bartelt. She lived in Marathon, WI and attended Marathon Schools, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. She received her Masters Degree at Pittsburg State University.

She married David R. Butler on July 15, 1956, in Marathon, WI. He preceded her in death in 1996.

Mary taught biology and physical education in Wisconsin for several years. After moves to Menomonie, WI, and Omaha, NE, she and her husband came to settle in Pittsburg, KS in 1965. She was privileged to be a stay-at-home Mom but later went back to teaching Physical Education at George Nettles Elementary and Lincoln Elementary in Pittsburg. In 1982, she became director of Adult Education for a number of years and later moved to teaching at Adult Education until she retired in 1995. After her husband's death in 1996, she again returned to teaching at Adult Education and retired again in 2013. Mary believed Adult Education was the passion and purpose of her life.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, volunteering, camping, playing tennis, and being with family and friends.

She is survived by sons Bill (Ellen) Butler and Jim (Lori) Butler; daughter Barbara (Troy) Butler Aufrecht; granddaughter Lindsey Butler; grandson David Butler; granddaughter Jessi (Matt) Aufrecht Bandy; great-granddaughter Freya Bandy; brother John (Pat) Bartelt and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, James (Mary Ann) Bartelt and George Bartelt, and a sister, Joyce (Jerry) Rosso.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 23, at Brenner Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm that evening. A private family graveside service will be held at Highland Park Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be left as memorials to The David R. Butler Scholarship Fund at Pittsburg State University, Wesley House, or Harry Hynes Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.