Albert “Dude” Buttell

Albert “Dude” Buttell, 96, of Hanover, Kansas, was born on May 17, 1928, in Lincoln, Nebraska, peacefully passed away on November 29, 2024, at the Eastridge Skilled Nursing Facility in Centralia, Kansas. He lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family and community.

He grew up in Hastings, Nebraska and graduated from Hastings High School in 1947. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with honor in Korea. While in the Army, he played football. He also boxed in Golden Gloves and once after winning a match he was congratulated by Jack Dempsey. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Nebraska.

Albert met his future wife, Dorothy Lindstrom, who was working as a nurse in Hastings while caring for his sister, Rosemarie, as a patient.  Rosemarie played matchmaker and Dorothy agreed to a first date with Albert.  Dorothy was quite smitten when Albert picked her up for the date in a yellow convertible. They were married on February 23, 1952 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Albert was working for the Union Pacific Railroad and in August 1972, he was transferred to the Marysville, Kansas terminal so they moved to Hanover, Kansas. Albert had a long career as a Conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 1984. After retiring, he continued to work doing auto bodywork and car refurbishing. Additionally, Albert was an insurance salesman.

Albert was a dedicated family man, leaving behind his beloved wife, Dorothy. He is also survived by his three children, Teresa (Randy) Wilkie, Alan Buttell, and Jennifer Buttell, along with seven grandchildren, Christopher Wilkie, Nile (Cynthia) Wilkie, Jesse (Becca) Wilkie, Nathan (Teena) Wilkie, Leah (Aaron) Hicks, Mina and Natasha Buttell; nine cherished great-grandchildren, Caden, Addy, Mark, Josiah, Levi, Rashaun, Jayah, Amiyah and Junior; and great-great-grandchild, Baylen. Their lives are a testament to the warmth and guidance he imparted throughout his years.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Patrick Wilkie; son-in-law, John Kersey; and siblings, Rosemarie, Gerald, Joe, Francis, and Marguerite.

Funeral services for Albert were held at St. John's Catholic Church in Hanover, Kansas. A visitation took place on December 3, starting at 9:30 a.m. until the rosary service at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Father David Metz officiated. The pallbearers were Nile Wilkie, Jesse Wilkie, Mark Wilkie, Josiah Wilkie, Levi Wilkie and Aaron Hicks.  Burial followed in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Hanover. The family welcomed all who wished to pay their respects and celebrate Albert’s remarkable life.

A memorial fund has been established to Oblate Sisters of St. Francis DeSales. Contributions may be sent care of the Hanover Mortuary, C/O Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.  Or contributions may be made directly to http://www.oblatesisters.org/