Harry R. Butzlaff, 88, of Bryant went to be with his Lord on February 23, 2013. Harry was born November 12, 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Harry and Clara Butzlaff. He was a lifelong member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Chemical Engineering Degree. He retired in 1989 as Manager of Quality/Process Control from A. O. Smith Corporation in Little Rock, Arkansas with over 35 years of service. Harry enjoyed wood working, yard work and spending time with his family especially grandchildren. He was also an avid Razorback, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Braves and Milwaukee Brewers Fan.
He was proceeded in death by his grandparents August and Johanna (Tiegs) Butzlaff, Robert and Minna (Hahnemann) Josten, his parents Harry F and Clara E ( Josten ) Butzlaff and his sister Marilyn Lees- Haushalter and a son Rick L. Butzlaff.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Shirley M ( Bohlman) Butzlaff and Six children Sandra ( Don ) Phillips, Robert Butzlaff, William (Jeannie) Butzlaff , (Tonna) Butzlaff, Nancy (Gary) Blaylock, Jim (Melinda) Butzlaff, Shari Butzlaff and also eleven Grandchildren and ten Great Grandchildren whom he loved very much.
Harry served in the Army Air Corps from 1944-1946 World War II with 13 Missions over Japan as a B-29 Navigator and Bombardment/ Radar observer. U.S Air Force Reserves 1946- 1966. He has received the following decorations: Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster, Air Campaign, Asiatic Pacific, World War II Victory, National Defense Service, Armed Forces Reserves with silver hourglass; awarded Bryant Mayoral Citation in 2011 for World War II Army Air Corps service, Veteran with two Presidential Unit Citations, 20 years U.S. Army Force Reserves, Bryant Planning Commission and other community and volunteer work.
Memorials may be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr St. Louis, Mo 63141.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.