Father Dean Thomas Buttrick Age 87, of Cable, WI, died Friday, January 12, 2024 in Coon Rapids, MN.

Dean Thomas Buttrick was born June 5, 1936 to Asa and Angela Buttrick at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay Wisconsin.

He attended elementary grade school at Washburn, Wisconsin and attended CrosierMinor Seminary Onamia, Minn.-1951-57; attended St. Procopius Major Seminary, Lisle, Il. 1957-63 He devoted his life to his religious calling as a Catholic priest. He ministered countless individuals, families and communities throughout his pastoral career. A thoughtful priest who listened and guided his parishes with great care, Father Dean was honored to devote his life to the service of others. As a major seminarian he helped run a Bible-catechism camp with his pastor, Fr. Clarence Ludwig at Washburn Co. youth camp for two weeks. This was for the parishes in Birchwood, Exland & Murray. He did this in summers '59-69. The summer of '61 was chaplain Tomahawk Boy Scout Camp on long lake East of Spooner '61 worked in a missionary program in Mexico in mountain villages. He reflected on this mission for the rest of his life. It was a real spiritual high point for him. He was ordained May 1st in Christ The King Cathedral by Bishop George Hammes. He celebrated his First Mass on May 5th in Birchwood, Wisconsin. His first appointment was St. Francis de Sales in Spooner. In addition, he served the two mission parishes Trego & Springbook. He celebrated his first Christmas midnight Mass at Springbrook. The following February, Bishop Hammes sent him to Cameron as a temporary Administrator for six weeks. Then he was to return to Spooner. In the last week, Bishop Hammes asked him to go to Most Precious Blood parish in Glidden, Wisconsin. He was there for six months. The Bishop assigned him to teach at Cathedral High School. He taught religion & world history. After one year he was assigned as associate pastor to St. Robert B Ellarmine Parish. While serving there, he taught at Holy Cross girls' high school. After almost three years, Bishop Hammes assigned him to St. Joseph parish as associate. He was there for three years. During that time, he set up a coffee house called Bali-High. Then Bishop Hammes appointed him pastor at Most Precious Blood in Glidden. He served as pastor for 5 years. He had to finish a new church and served on the Ashland & Bayfield counties Board for the Developmentally Disabled. They opened a Center in Glidden. They also formed Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon groups. Next Bishop Hammes asked him to serve as pastor to St. Joseph parish in Shell Lake and Sarona. He was there for ten years during which time the parish built a new church and hall. They also built an addition to St. Catherine's Sarona. For several summers they revived the Bible-Catechism Camp at Washburn County Youth Camp. They allowed the local AA groups to use the old church. He served on the Washburn County Board for the Developmentally Disabled. During that time they built a new center in Spooner. Then Bishop Fliss asked him to return as pastor at St. Joseph’s parish in Rhinelander. He was there for 10 years. The parish remodeled the sanctuary. He formed a Holy Spirit Prayer group. Members took Holy Communion to homebound and nursing home residents. He served on the Headwaters board for the developmentally disabled, which was run by our Diocesan Catholic Charities. He also belonged to an association of parents with developmentally disabled children. They started a Saturday program at Rhinelander High School for those who lived at home. It was a very successful program. A parish committee began work on planning for a new church. Then Bishop Fliss asked him to return to St. Anthony's parish, Superior and St. Anthony’s Lake Nebagamon. He formed a parish council. He had the sanctuary remodeled. St. Anthony’s Lake Nebagamon built a new parish center with the plans to build a new church attached to it. He was there for 13 years. Then Bishop Christianson asked him to go to the Mellen Wisconsin cluster. He served two years there and then retired. He served in the council of the Catholic Women's organization for a good number of years. He was chaplain of several Knights of Columbus Councils. He also was Diocesan Knights of Columbus Chaplain. He served on the priests’ council. He was dean of the Northwest Deanery. He served as the Bishop's representative for North Central Deanery on building projects. He had the honor to work with the pastor & parishioners of St. Louis parish on their remodeling of their church which was one of his home parishes & where he had served at Mass many, many times.He was always visiting the homebound sick, in the hospital & nursing homes. Presently he was Bishop Power's Liaison for Catholic Charismatic Renewal. During his retirement he continued to say Masses, hear confessions, celebrate marriages and funeral Masses. After he left his beloved family home in Cable, he retired to Epiphany Senior Housing in Coon Rapids. He quickly found a purpose and continued his service by saying Masses in the chapel and was beloved by residents and staff. When his health declined, he moved to Park River where he entered hospice. He continued his service by leading the Rosary group and singing and listening to beloved hymns as part of his music therapy. He enjoyed the many visits by family and friends.

He is survived by his nieces Amy Vietzke (Darian) Kathryn Farsht and Lea Ann Scales (Brian) as well as their Children Erin Swanson (Stephen) Jason Vietzke, Michael Vietzke, Jonathan Farsht, Brianna Young (James), Andrew Erickson, Patrick Erickson and great-grand niece Emma Erickson and her mother Jessica Giovannoni and great-grand nephew Brayden Young, and many, many beloved cousins, friends, parishioners and relatives.

He was predeceased by his brother Asa Buttrick, his brother Dean Edward, who died in infancy, and his parents Asa and Angela Buttrick and his grand nephew Christopher Erickson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon, Friday, January 19, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, WI, Bishop James Powers officiating, with interment in Allouez Catholic Cemetery in Green Bay, WI.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church on Friday.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Superior Charismatic Renewal.

His funeral service will be live-streamed on Facebook at Jon Tillung.

Last Update: Jan 16, 2024 7:16 am CST