Joanne Butkowski

Joanne Edna Butkowski, age 75 of Melrose, died Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Cura of Sauk Centre Care Center in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 29 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. by Deacon Ernie Kociemba.

Joanne Butkowski was born May 8, 1949 in Melrose Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Edwin and Dorothy (Ahrens) Kemper. On April 18, 1970, she was united in marriage to Harvey Butkowski at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, Minnesota. 

Joanne was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose and sang in the choir. Joanne enjoyed singing, baking, gardening and spending time with her siblings. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and Godchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Harvey Butkowski of Melrose; children, Deborah (Chris) Perkins of Clear Lake, Steven (Kate) Butkowski of St. Cloud, Deanna Butkowski of Plymouth, and Matt Butkowski (Liz Karsky) of Sartell; six grandchildren, Shayna (Gaven Sand), Aubree, and Parker Lahr, Jack and Sam Butkowski, and Kylie Perkins; five step-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Kathleen (Herman) Klaphake of Sauk Centre, Darlene (Herb) Imdieke of Meire Grove, Patty (Buddy) Beier of Paynesville, Joe (Bonnie) Kemper of Grey Eagle, Jeanne (Leon) Lahr of Mayhew Lake, and Ted (Renee) Kemper of Melrose.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Dorothy Kemper.