Marlene J. Butler

BUTLER, MARLENE J.

Marlene J. Butler, age 66, of Neenah, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 23, 2009, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. No stranger to adversity in her life, Marlene accepted this final challenge, as she had so many others, with quiet dignity and determination. Scripture teaches that for those who have placed their trust in Christ, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. The family takes comfort in knowing that Marlene has been released from pain and suffering and is now in the presence of God. Marlene was born on March 8, 1942, in Harlan, Iowa, to the late James and Irene (Christensen) Sorenson. She graduated from Wheaton College in 1964 with a Bachelor's Degree in Organ Performance. Marlene married Robert Butler on June 12, 1965, in Muscatine, Iowa. Music was an integral part of Marlene's life. She was the accompanist of the MacDowell Male Chorus for nearly 30 years, was the organist at First United Methodist Church for over 20 years, was the co-founder and president of Butler-Stevens Church Organ Company and was Director of the Wesley Handbell Choir at First United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Robert; her sons, Chad (Michelle) Butler, Aurora, Illinois, and Craig (Karen) Butler, Savage, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Grace and Lauren Butler, and Tyler and Brandon Butler. She was preceded in death by her brother Duane (Barbara) Sorenson. Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009, at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 325 East Franklin Street, Appleton, with Rev. Dave Brice, Dr. Doyle Blanton and Rev. Grace Cajiuat officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of services. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park. A memorial has been established in Marlene's name to benefit the Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. John Swanson, Dr. Anthony Phillips, Dr. Michael Ray, and the staff at ThedaCare at Home, for their loving care.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 920-739-1231
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