Eugene John Butterfield's Obituary
Eugene Butterfield passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, April 18, 2018, surrounded by those who loved him. In leu of flowers, please make donations to Winds of Fire Church, PO Box 1242, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 to go towards missions. Eugene John Butterfield was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and it was there that he met and married the love of his life, Pauline Geary. They built a wonderful life together, having 6 children: Paul, Karen, Janice, Gene, Eileen and Eva, and getting involved in all things related to their church. Gene went to seminary because he had such a love for God and wanted to learn more about Him so that he could tell others of the awesome love he had found. After completing seminary, he started pastoring churches all over New England. Whether times were good or bad, he and Pauline taught their children to be grateful for all that they had and to share with those in need. Gene always said his first ministry was his family, and he made sure they knew the awesome power of God. Gene and Pauline both had the desire to travel to other countries and share the message of Jesus. When he was preaching, he held nothing back. He knew the importance of knowing Jesus personally and didn’t want to waste any moment. Known as Superman all over the globe, Gene would leap over pews to get to someone, to get his point across. He would get in people’s faces when needed or he would speak gently coupled with a loving embrace. Gene moved entirely by the Spirit of God. He always said that without God he could do nothing, but with God, he was bold and bodacious and fearless. The couple have family all over the world. With travels to Holland, England, Guatemala, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, and Panama, it was hard not to adopt kids as grandchildren, young men and women as children, and others as brothers and sisters in Christ. However no matter how many countries they went to, they always took time to visit their own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gene (and Pauline) was only a phone call away or a few blocks away when advice, prayer, or simple laughter was needed. He loved to joke around, and his family never knew what he would say or do next with his silly sense of humor. Their house was always full of laughter and love, and there was nothing more exciting for their grandchildren than to sit and hear stories of other countries and what God had done there. The last few years, Gene lovingly took care of Pauline as her health declined. He may not have always felt like he was doing any good, but from the perspective of his family, they could see the unconditional love he had for her even in the simple things like brushing her hair or helping her put her shoes on. After she went to be with her Savior in December of 2017, Gene decided to travel and visit his family. Then in March, he was able to return to Colombia with his son Paul, a trip he had longed to make for many years. There, he was reunited with many he had ministered to in the past and was able to preach the good news of God to even more new faces. He then returned to the United States where he spent time with more family and eventually passed away surrounded by those who loved him. After all he did here on this earth, his giving goes beyond death. His healthy tissues and skin will be donated through the LIFESHARE organ program, which will benefit burn victims and mastectomy patients in the future. Though his passing was unexpected and a great shock to all who knew and loved him, their grief is just in the physical world. They know that Gene loved and served God with his whole being and that he was welcomed into heaven with the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” He was also reunited with his love, Pauline, and two of their children, Janice and Gene. While it’s difficult right now to picture life without Dad/Grandpa/friend, all who knew him know that Gene finished his race and is Home.Memorial Services will be held May 4, 2018 at 6:30 pm at Winds of Fire Church, 120 – 9th St NW, Ft Dodge, IA 50501.
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