Arthur Ray Butenschoen

VArthur "Ray" Butenschoen, 82, of Hartford, SD, formerly Worthing, SD, passed Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls. Arthur Ray Butenschoen was born on April 29, 1942, in Minnehaha County, the son of Arthur H. and Effie (Fincher) Butenschoen. Arthur Ray, born in Sioux Valley Hospital, was immediately introduced to his twin sister, Ardis May, who arrived first in Turner County. Then 11 years later, a sister, Susan Fay was born. As a young boy, Ray would play with his toy tractors; when he did so, he would always pretend his wife was named Barb. He fulfilled his dream on July 28, 1961, when he was united in marriage to his best friend, Barbara Louise Lind. Together they built a life filled with love and laughter. Ray attended Lennox High School and then worked for Raven Industries and Sioux Valley Hospital as a machine operator. During their 61 years of marriage, Barbara and Ray loved square dancing with the Shirts and Skirts, Polka dancing, and many evenings playing cards with the East 500 Club. Ray enjoyed Alice Chalmer tractor shows and taking care of the family farm, they created together, just west of Wall Lake. Additionally, he was best known for giving others a hard time - bringing a little laughter, and making others smile. Besides his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Barbara August 8, 2022; his twin sister, Ardis Edman February 28, 2021; granddaughter, Emily Rensch September 3, 1990. As well as many other loved family and friends. Grateful for having shared his life are his daughters: Kim Rensch, Worthing and Karrie (Joel) Mueller, Hartford; grandchildren: Heather (Bill) Rensch/Habben, Samantha Rensch/Relph, Elizabeth (Shane) Caldwell, Josh Mueller, Jessica Mueller, and Jolyssa Mueller; great-grandchildren: Lillian and Lukas Relph, Bruce and Gracie Habben, and Emilia and Sean Caldwell. Sister, Susan Edwardson, Sioux Falls, and sister-in-law, Mary Schriever, Sioux Falls as well as a host of other relatives and friends. isitation, with the family present, will be 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at Dindot-Klusmann Funeral Home, Lennox, SD. Burial will follow in the Worthing Cemetery, Worthing, SD.

Arthur Ray Butenschoen

April 29, 1942 - February 27, 2025

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