Butch Kinney

 Donald, more affectionately known as Butch, Duane Kinney was born on April 17, 1937, son of Reed and Evelyn (Andresen) Kinney in Denison, Iowa “across the tracks”. He was baptized and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith near Kiron. Butch received his education from Denison schools. Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in December of 1957. 

 On October 30, 1960, Butch married Laura Faye Lamp at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison and they were blessed with three children: Shelley, Susan and Marc. Butch spent time farming. He also worked at Farmland Foods for 43 years until his well-deserved retirement. The couple also ran the Leisure Time bar in Vail for six years. Even in his retirement, Butch found joy in working for Crawford County Conservation as a park technician for over 13 years, reveling in the beauty of nature that he held dear. Additionally, he shared special moments with his family while roofing homes together. Butch's dedication to hard work was truly admirable. A man of grit and resilience, he exemplified perseverance in all aspects of his life. His commitment to his work was unwavering, demonstrating a strong work ethic that inspired all those who knew him.

 Butch was a member of the United Church in Denison and Vail and served as a Deacon and an Elder. He was also a member of the Vail Fire Department for over 20 years and served on the city council. In his younger years, Butch found delight in polka dancing. He also enjoyed listening to the tunes of Willie Nelson and playing cards, especially Euchre and poker. As a man who appreciated the beauty of the outdoors, Butch was often seen embracing nature with open arms. He drove the tractor at LeRoy’s Pumpkin Patch taking kids to pick their pumpkins for many years. The family would frequently be seen camping and catfishing in Storm Lake. His hobbies included building bird and butterfly houses out of barnwood, showcasing his talent for woodworking. One of his remarkable creations was crafting corkscrew walking sticks from willow trees, which he skillfully sold and gifted to his children. One of his favorite pastimes was enjoying beers on the deck with his family, cherishing those moments together with laughter. Butch’s light-hearted spirit shone through in every joke and story he shared. He created fun and memorable moments for those around him. He also had a deep love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, their presence brought immense happiness into his life. 

 Butch passed away on July 5, 2024, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 87 years, two months and 18 days.

 Butch was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Kenneth and Dale Kinney; sister, Sharon Riley; brother-in-law, Roger Bukacek. He is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Laura Kinney of Vail; children: Shelley (Gary) Weller of Denison, Susan (Sean) Ernst of Vail and Marc (Danielle) Kinney of Vail; ten grandchildren: Nate (Jess) Adams, Ashley (Dustyn) Bengford, Tyler (Grace) Weller, Luke (Maddie) Weller, Nicolas (Suzette) Ernst, Tyson (Sara) Ernst, Nicole Kinney (Tank), Craig Kinney (Trista), Morgan (Mitchell) Dettbarn and Karsyn Kinney (Nate Vetter); 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Penny Kinney of Denison, Shirley Kinney of Anchorage, Alaska and Carolyn Bukacek of Denison; brother-in-law, Gerald Riley of Whiting; beloved dog, Mazie; and many other relatives and friends. 

 Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail and interment with military honors to follow in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens near Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later donation to be made in his name.