Ralph J. Buthe

Ralph Joseph Buthe, 92 died September 8, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Home, Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 17, 2022, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday at the church.

Ralph Joseph Buthe was born on September 13, 1929, at Alexandria, SD, to Henry and Mary (Harings) Buthe.  While growing up he attended Argonne Elementary School and graduated from Argonne High School, Argonne, SD.  After high school, Ralph enlisted in the United States Army where he later served in active duty during the Korean War (1951-1953). 

Ralph Joseph Buthe was united in marriage to the love of his life, Maxine Brooks, on December 27, 1955 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carthage, SD.  The couple lived, farmed and raised a family of six in the Argonne, SD area, moving into Howard, SD in 1979.  

Ralph purchased the Argonne Elevator and Feed Store, Argonne, SD, in 1957, and operated the business until the sale of it in 1985.  Ralph was a fixture in the agricultural area for over 40 years buying and selling grain and running a robust feed business for area farmers.  

Ralph loved to visit with his customers and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Ralph enjoyed gardening and sharing the produce with those in need.  Ralph was active as a father in his kids 4-H, always making sure there was an animal to show at the local County Fair.  Fishing, playing cards, and playing with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren filled his days until the day he died.  

Ralph was very active his entire life in the Catholic Church (Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carthage, SD and St. Agatha Catholic Church, Howard, SD) where he served as an usher and greeter. Ralph was a distinguished member of the Howard American Legion Post 145 where he was active for over 50 years.  

Those grateful for having shared his life are three sons: Tim and wife Gerry of Sergeant Bluffs, IA; Greg and wife Tracy of Sioux Falls, SD; Tony and wife Barb of New Prague, MN; 3 daughters: Helen Olson of Fairmont, MN, Mary Jo Nelson and husband Steve of Sioux Falls, SD; Lisa Olson and husband Rick of Howard, SD; 14 grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 12 step great grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by one sister-in-law Sue Buthe (Henry Jr. Buthe). 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents (Henry & Mary (Barcher) Buthe), wife Maxine (Brooks) Buthe, four brothers (Clemence, Kenneth, Henry Jr. & Raymond), one sister (Stella) and one son-in-law (William Olson).

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