Clifford Ernest Butgereit • 1916 - 2002

Clifford Ernest Butgereit, 85, Bowbells, died Thursday, May 30, 2002 in his home.

Clifford was born August 14, 1916, on the family farm in Clayton Township, Burke County, near Coteau, ND, the son of William and Rose Butgereit. He attended school in Bowbells, where he graduated in 1934. In 1941, he went to Sausalito, CA to work as a welder in the shipyard. There he met M.J. Staib "Kitty" and they were married on June 17, 1945 in San Jose, CA. In October 1945, Cliff and Kitty returned to North Dakota where they took over the family farm. Cliff remained active in farming and ranching until the time of his death. He had a great love of the land, cattle and nature. As a young man Cliff was active in the local baseball leagues and also enjoyed bowling and playing horseshoe where he won many awards. Cliff enjoyed playing pinochle whenever he could find the time. He was also a clerk for Clayton Township for several years.

Survivors: Wife, M.J. "Kitty" Butgereit, Bowbells; sons, Loren D. (Sally) Butgereit, Minot, and Lawrence W. (Terri) Butgereit, Littlerock, CA; four grandchildren, Amy B. King, Emily L. Butgereit, Anna M. Butgereit, and John J. Butgereit; three great-grandchildren, Leighton, Landen and Lauren King. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Helen Steffen, and mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Funeral: Monday, June 3, 2002, at 2:00 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells, ND.

Visitation: Friends may sign the register Monday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial: Bowbells Community Cemetery, Bowbells, ND.

Officiant: Rev. Diane Krumm

Music: Vocal duet, Grace Melby and Faye Sundin
"Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Beyond The Sunset"
Congregational Hymn
"In The Garden"
Mary Lynn Jensen, organist

Honorary Bearers: Donald Swenson, Manfred Swenson, Harold Opseth, Earl Chrest, Sr., Ed Yale

Active Bearers: Earl Jensen, Laurie Chrest, Earl Chrest, Jr., Bruce Anderson, Olaf "Sonny" Christianson and Art Eklund

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